bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Waist Circumference as a Screening Tool for Weight Management: Evaluation Using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves for Malay Subjects
Authors: Moy F.M. , Atiya A.S. 
Published: June 2011

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most established anthropometric indicator used for assessment of nutritional status. Other anthropometric indicators which are related closely to BMI are waist hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference. In this paper, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the value of waist circumference and waist hip ratio as a screening measure for the need of weight management using BMI as the reference test. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated at several cut-offs. The areas under the ROC curve calculated by comparing waist circumference with BMI were high (0.70 - 0.86) while the areas calculated for WHR were low (0.46 - 0.67). Sensitivities of 0.745 and 0.800 were observed at cut-off points of waist circumference at 90cm and 80cm for males and females respectively, while the false positive rates were 0.233 for males and 0.250 for females. These cut-off points could be considered as a fair trade-off. Therefore it is concluded that waist circumference performed better than WHR as a screening test. It is indicative that waist circumference could be used as a tool in raising awareness of weight management in this population. Asia Pac JPublic Health 2003; 15(2): 99-104.
Public Health: Myth, Mysticism and Reality
Authors: Ko U Ko 
Published: June 2011

In England, public health was divorced from clinical medicine during the mid-nineteenth century, following a directive from Edwin Chadwick. Since then, the two disciplines have gone their separate ways with physicians receiving training for curative practice on the one hand and for public health practice on the other. The United States, among many other countries, followed suit. In due course, the frontiers of both curative medicine and public health have expanded. This divorce between the two disciplines of medicine cannot be justified. Medicine includes the whole enterprise: sanitation, hygiene, genetics, nutrition, behaviour and therapeutics, all in relationship to man himself in his natural, social, economic and political environment. Each branch of medicine has its distinct role to play, but it is only a part and not the whole; all of them together make the whole. Unmindful of these realities, curative medicine on the one hand and preventive medicine on the other, each finds itself shrouded in mystery. They have become enlarged and out of proportion to their real utility and a sense of realism is called for. The mythical dichotomy in curative medicine and public health is reflected in the various training programmes for physicians and other prof essionals for the two distinct branches of medicine as well as in the organisational arrangements for curative medicine and public health. However, there was much dissatisfaction with this arrangement around the middle of the 20th century, a dissatisfaction reflected in the social medicine movement both in England and the United States. In spite of this, medicine continues to be divided along curative and public health lines. Several attempts were made to bring the two branches of medicine together. Notable among these efforts were those of Lord Dawson in the 1920s when he sought a national health service integrating all branches of medicine and of the Bhor's Commission in post World War II India which sought to do likewise. The most recent attempt is the movement of Health for All by the Year 2000 with primary health care as the key. approach. This movement seeks to bring primary health care, in essence a package of social medicine, to all people, especially at the first level of the health organisation. However, among others, it poses serious challenges to health manpower education. Since schools of public health and other schools for health prof essionals are intimately concerned with health manpower education, some relevant issues are presented for reflection and deliberation. At a critical time like this, it is natural to look to these centres of excellence to prepare and to produce health leaders, wise men, and educators to forge ahead to meet these challenges.
The Influence of Alcohol Countermeasures in Changing Drink Driving Attitudes
Authors: Trinca G W 
Published: June 2011

Action to reduce the Australian road death toll has largely depended on legislative initiatives. The response can be judged by the reduction in the annual number offatalities from 3, 798 in 1970 to 2, 812 in 1984. A significant component of road accident countermeasures concerns the control of illegal drink driving. Alcohol misuse remains the single most important factor contributing to road crash deaths and injuries in a country where solid drinking by the majority of the community is normal behaviour. In Australia, the effectiveness of drink driving control has depended on the development of a package of countermeasures, which includes a blood alcohol legal limit of 0.05g% in all but two states, compulsory blood alcohol testing of casualties, random breath testing and heavy penalties. The effectiveness of these measures in changing drinking habits and attitudes to drink driving is reflected statistically by the reduction in the national percentage of drivers and riders killed with an illegal blood alcohol concentration from 44% in 1981 to 36% in 1984. Over a similar period there was a fall in all fatalities per 10, 000 registered vehicles from 8.5 to 2.9. In the State of Victoria, there was a fall in alcohol-affected casualties from 37% in 1977 to 24% in 1984. A plea is made for uniformity of drink driving legislation on a national basis: more systematic and sequential education programmes for road safety knowledge and behaviour; a better balance in advertising between the promotion of alcohol use and the awareness of the health hazard of alcohol consumption.
Fish and Nutrition in the Pacific Islands
Authors: Kent G 
Published: June 2011

Malnutrition in the Pacific islands arises partly because local production offish and other foods is strongly export-oriented and imported foods are of ten of inferior nutritional value. Some types of malnutrition in the Pacific islands might be remedied through improved use offisheries products. In the production phase offisheries operations, increasing attention should be given to local production for local consumption. In processing, improvements could be made in traditional techniques of drying, salting and smoking fish. The use offish products in weaning foods should be strengthened. In distribution, means could be found to improve the delivery offish to the poor, whether through commercial channels, barter, traditional gifting or institutional feeding. Consumption patterns in households could be improved through educational programmes, which address traditional taboos and which promote improved home preservation and preparation techniques. At the national level, nutritional impacts should be taken into account along with economic impacts in the evaluation offishery development plans and projects.
Child Care Services in Malaysia: An Overview
Authors: Yusof K , Wong YL , Ooi GL , Hamid-Don F 
Published: June 2011

In 1982, under the patronage of the Ministry of Social Welfare and with financial aid from UNICEF, three consultants from the University of Malaya conducted a National Child Care Survey to: provide an overview of child care services in Malaysia; to design a monitoring system to help child minders and relevant personnel to assess the standards of child care at the centres; and to develop a series of policy recommendations for implementing “better child care” in the country. This paper presents the first part of the National Child Care Survey, that is, an overview of child care services available in Malaysia. The survey was conducted in five states in Peninsular Malaysia — Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kelantan and Melaka — and in two cities — Kuching and Kota Kinabalu — in East Malaysia. The national survey studied the type of care found at 537 centres where 824 minders looked after 7, 884 children. Four major aspects of child care were identified and subsequently examined: the physical conditions and environmental hygiene of the premises; profile of children under care; daily practices; and the personnel in the three basic types of centres, i.e., Institution-based, plantation-or estate-based and home-based.
Different Therefore Equal: Towards Equity in the Health Services in Fiji
Authors: Waddington C , Newell K 
Published: June 2011

“Equitable resource distribution” is one of the health policy indicators used to monitor the World Health Organization's (WHO) Health for All by the Year 2000 strategy. However, many countries find the monitoring of equity problematic because it is a difficult notion to define. This article discusses various possible definitions and concludes that equality of expenditure per unit of population (or preferably, per unit of need) is the best definition of equity to pursue In operational terms. However, the weaknesses of this approach are acknowledged — most importantly, the definition ignores the fact that geography and the distribution of the population into small, Isolated groups result in different costs for equivalent items of service. This is clearly of great relevance to Pacific Island states. The state of resource distribution in 1986 in the government health services in Fiji is examined. Only equity amongst divisions and provinces — i.e., geographical equity — is considered. Per capita annual expenditure ranges from F$15.70 in Nadroga and Navosa province to F$36.20 in Naitasiri. It would be premature to conclude that such a distribution is necessarily inequitable and unfair. Rather, the data should be seen as a springboard for further research to investigate to what extent, if at all, the “over-funding” of some divisions and provinces is justified. This article does not answer neatly the question: are government health service resources distributed fairly in Fiji? This cannot be done without the development of either nationally defined norms of service or calculations of the costs of meeting needs in different regions. Finally, it is emphasised that empirical investigations into equity will lead nowhere unless the political will exists to supply services fairly, regardless of the user's race, religion or place of residence.
Radiation Surveys of Video Display Terminals: Report of a Two-Year Study, June 1983-June 1985
Authors: Karel SG 
Published: June 2011

Growing concern about possible harmful visual display terminal (VDT) radiation emissions by East-West Center (EWC) staff members, particularly secretarial staff, resulted in the formation of a VDTs Health Effects Committee in August, 1982. The Committee recommended that all EWC VDTs currently in use be surveyed for X-ray and ultraviolet radiation emissions to determine if staff members were being exposed to potentially hazardous levels of radiation. The committee also recommended that all VDTs falling into one of the following categories be surveyed: those that were being used for the first time; those that had just been repaired or serviced; those that were five years old; or those that were being used after being in storage. In total, 186 VDTs were surveyed for X-ray and ultraviolet radiation emissions by the University of Hawaii radiation safety of ficer and the East-West Center health of ficer between April 1983 and June 1985. The surveys were done in two phases. In the first phase, 101 VDTs were surveyed during April and May, 1983. This constituted all the available terminals in use at that time. Over the next two years, 85 VDTs were surveyed when they experienced one of the four conditions mentioned above. The majority of VDTs surveyed (163 or 87.6% of the sample size) were from one manufacturer and the remaining 23 terminals (12.3% of the sample size) were from eight different manufacturers. All surveys were done during work hours and disruption of the employee's work routines was minimal. All terminals surveyed were being used by EWC employees. Two instruments were used to measure ultraviolet radiation in the range of 254 to 400 nanometers (nm). This is the known range of carcinogenic effects in humans. All the measurements with the instruments were taken on contact with the VDT screen. Two instruments that were capable of detecting low energy X-rays (the type potentially emitted by VDTs) were used to measure X-ray radiation. The radiation levels emitted by VDTs are very low compared to current occupational exposure standards. The results from the 186 VDTs surveyed at the EWC demonstrated that exposure to ultraviolet and X-ray radiation was below the detection capability of the survey Instruments and thus well below current occupational exposure standards. Based on this survey data, it appears that VDTs do not present a radiation hazard to the employee working on or near a terminal.
Environmental Health in Japan — A Retrospective and Prospective Review
Authors: Tsuchiya K 
Published: June 2011

This paper is a review of environmental quality over recent decades in Japan. It refers to the compensation system of environmental pollution-related health impairment first. Currently, those with any of the following four diseases: respiratory diseases (chronic bronchitis; bronchial asthma; asthmatic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema); Minamata disease; Ital-ital disease associated with cadmium poisoning; and chronic arsenic poisoning are eligible for certification to receive benefits under the Compensation Law. In addition to a brief history and description of the present situation regarding these diseases, air quality standard and compliance rate are discussed. Other environmental pollutants such as water pollution, noise and vibration are also noted. Finally, the importance of international cooperation concerning the problems of acid rain and increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is discussed.
Occupational Health of Working Women in China
Authors: Wang YL , Zhao XH 
Published: June 2011

This paper is a review of occupational health of working women in China over the past 37 years. Only four papers in connection with the subject of occupational health for working women published before liberation could be found, in which only 543 female workers were surveyed. Since liberation, 317 papers on the subject have been published, Involving 934, 177 female workers. Owing to tradition and the physiological features women are endowed with, they have a heavy load; what is usually known in China as the ‘double burden'. That is to say, women are not only taking care of household duties but also bearing children. This paper summarises some major occupational hazards Chinese working women are exposed to, such as chemical, physical, and biological agents and their effects. It also lists certain effective preventative measures now being taken in China.
Family Planning as a Priority for Maternal and Child Health
Authors: Viegas OAC , Singh K , Ratnam SS 
Published: June 2011

Maternal, perinatal, Infant and child mortality rates in the developing world are significantly higher than in Industrialized countries. Much of this mortality is attributable to pregnancies “too young, too old, too many and too close.” It Is therefore obvious that the potential impact of family planning on maternal and child health can be immense. Such measures successfully implemented will improve the health of women by enabling them to have children when they are best prepared for them, thereby avoiding the complications of a high-risk pregnancy. This paper reviews the world literature in an attempt to stress the need for recognising family planning as an important public health priority. It also discusses some of the socio-demographic changes that have occurred in Singapore as a result of unique family planning policies and their contribution to an overall improvement in maternal and child health in this Republic.
Prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Among Intravenous Drug Users in New South Wales, Australia: The Needles and Syringes Distribution Programme Through Retail Pharmacies
Authors: Tsai R , Pharm B , Goh EH , Webeck P , Mullins J 
Published: June 2011

Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among 12, 000 intravenous (i.v.) drug users in New South Wales (NSW) was estimated to be very low in 1985. However, a large increase of HIV infection in this population group could result within a short period. The NSW government amended existing legislation to permit the sale and possession of sterile needles and syringes. A programme to promote the sale of needles and syringes was launched jointly with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (NSW Branch) in December 1986. Favourable changes in pharmacists' attitudes were noted four months later. The distribution scheme became an important component of the NSW prevention programme. There are 2, 039 retail pharmacies throughout NSW. The number of sterile needles and syringes sold through these outlets increased from 4, 200 in January 1987 to 51, 000 in November 1987 with a total of 422, 000 dispensed over this period. The percentage of Pharmacy Guild members involved in the programme increased from 0.5% to 22.5%, covering 38% of the state by November 1987. During 1987, HIV infection among i.v. drug users remained low. This suggests that the needles and syringes distribution programme contributed significantly towards limiting the spread of HIV infection among i.v. drug users.
Physician Distribution and Health Manpower Policy in Korea
Authors: Yang BM , Huh J 
Published: June 2011

This research studied the impact of increased physician supply on geographical distribution and identified the variables, both demographic and socio-economic, that account for physician maldistribution between urban and rural areas. Increased physician supply did not necessarily improve physician availability and access to health care in many rural and inner-city areas of Korea. Observed performance indicates that most physicians newly qualified since 1974 chose to work in major urban areas, while most rural areas had a shortage of physicians and health facilities. Physicians also tended to work in areas where there were supportive medical facilities, where the distance to major metropolitan areas was not great, where medical schools were located or nearby, and where consumers lived in pleasant surroundings.
The Prevalence of Endemic Goitre in the Keningau Division of Sabah
Authors: Chen PCY , Wong ML , Ong FPT 
Published: June 2011

Four areas of differing remoteness were studied to determine the prevalence of goitre in the Keningau Division of Sabah. These areas were Keningau town, the Biah Resettlement Scheme, the Dalit subdistrict and the Pagalunggan subdistrict. The predominant ethnic group in these areas is the Murut. The overall endemicity of goitre for the study population was 76.5% for females aged 15 years and above. There was a significant correlation between the incidence of goitre and the remoteness of an area. The Dalit subdistrict has the highest incidence of goitre (82.6%) followed by the Pagalunggan subdistrict (77.8%), the majority of these goitre cases being classified as grade 2 (visible goitres). These were the two most remote areas in the study. In contrast, Keningau town, the least remote area has the lowest incidence of goitre (62.5%) with most of the goitres being relatively small. With regards to salt usage in the Dalit subdistrict, only 3.0% used iodised salt; 28.0% used fine salt; 3.6% used coarse salt and 65.5% used both fine and coarse salt. In the Pagalunggan subdistrict, all females used uniodised salt with 17.6% using fine salt, 20% using coarse salt and the remainder using both fine and coarse salt. As yet, there is no legislation for the iodisation of salt in Sabah. It is clear that all types of salt need to be iodised and adequately distributed to deprived areas, particularly inland areas.
Controversies over Pesticides: The Lessons for Public Health
Authors: Copplestone John F. 
Published: June 2011

Pesticides and their effects on the environment and human health have been subjects of many debates in recent years. Many factors have contributed to this, including developments in analytical techniques as well as the toxicology of the pesticides themselves. In many cases the discussions have not been purely scientific or confined to the scientific literature. Misunderstanding of statistical concepts-the basic principles of toxicology-have contributed to this situation. The most important adverse effects on humans have been acute accidental poisoning. There remains much room for improvement in this area. Public health authorities can learn from the history of the debate the importance of critical evaluation of data, the need for balanced interpretation of this for the public, the need to limit the use of general health warnings, and the realization that restrictions designed or suggested to limit one problem may give rise to other unforeseen problems of greater immediate health importance.
Ventilatory Function Among Metal Workers in Singapore
Authors: Phoon WO , Foo SC , Org CN , Tan LC 
Published: June 2011

The ventilatory function of 634 workers in small scale metal working industries was evaluated. Almost five percent (4.7%) of the workers were found to have FEV1.0/FVC ratio of less than 75%. Compared with the lung function of industrial workers reported by Zee, 10.9% were found to have low ventilatory function. Comparison of the ventilatory function obtained from the metal workers with those of occupational groups previously reported shows that the metal workers have lower FVC and FEV1.0 values. Mid and end expiratory flow rates were also measured. These measures have been shown to be very sensitive in detecting obstructions in small airways. It is recommended that future studies should be carried out to obtain ventilatory functions for the normal population. The values reported here of FEV25%-75% and FEF75%-85% would be useful for future investigations in forced expiratory flow rates.
An Epidemiological Study of the Influence of Sweets Intake and Toothbrushing on Dental Caries Among Children in Japan
Authors: Akizawa Yoriko , Sakurai Yoshiki , Hara Norihisa , Fujita Yasuyuki , Nagai Masaki , Nakamura Yosikazu , Sakata Kiyomi , Yanagawa Hiroshi 
Published: June 2011

The study was designed to determine the influence of confectionery and beverages intake and of toothbrushing on infant dental caries. The participants were 700 three year old Japanese children from an urban area near Tokyo. The prevalence of caries in those who frequently consumed confectionery and beverages was higher than the prevalence in those who did not take them. However, the prevalence in children with a habit of toothbrushing did not differ from that of those without the habit. This study shows that restricting consumption of confectionery and beverages may be effective in preventing dental caries; however, encouragement of toothbrushing may not be effective in limiting dental caries progression.
Elderly Self Care Education: A Low Technology Primary Health Care Option for Developing Countries
Authors: Koseki Lawrence K. , Reid Sue E. 
Published: June 2011

This article presents a number of perspectives on the curriculum building processes as well as the methodology and content of a self care training curriculum and Information packet that were prepared and field for the development of a model self care education program for older persons. Course content and topical areas are outlined, and various training agenda and educational materials are described. Although this program was undertaken as part of the national goal to develop a health promotion and disease prevention strategy for older people In the United States, a number of Insights, principles and implications drawn from the curriculum development activities and field testing experiences are applicable to other countries, especially developing nations where the problems and needs of the aged are becoming Increasingly apparent In the face of ever shrinking resources.