Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing Healthy School Canteen Intervention among Malaysian Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

This study evaluated implementing a school-based intervention to promote healthier dietary habits in the school environment among Malaysian adolescents using qualitative methods. This qualitative study was conducted in four secondary schools in Perak and Selangor (two urban and two rural schools) that received the intervention (either training or training and food subsidy). A total of eight focus groups (68 students aged 15 years old) and 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with canteen operators, school convenience shop operators, school teachers and school principals in each school. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data to identify suitable themes. We found several initiatives and changes by the schools’ stakeholders to change to a healthy school canteen programme. The stakeholders also noticed the students’ food preferences that influence healthy food intake in canteens and convenience shops. The food vendors and school administrators also found that subsidising healthy meals might encourage healthy eating. Among barriers to implementing healthy school initiatives were the student’s perception of healthy food and their eating habits, which also affect the food vendors’ profit if they want to implement a healthy canteen. The school-based intervention has the potential to promotes healthier eating among school adolescents. Continuous training and monitoring of canteen operators and convenience shops are needed, including building partnerships and educating the students on healthy eating to cultivate healthy eating habits.

A Model of the Relationships Among Emotional Intelligence, Spiritual Intelligence, and Holistic Individual Characteristics Among Malaysian Adolescents

Adolescents are the future, yet they are faced with many challenges in navigating their life. The present cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relationship of Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence to Holistic Individual Characteristics among Malaysian adolescents. A sample of 395 Form Four students were selected using the stratified random sampling method. Two survey questionnaires adopted and adapted from established scales were used to collect data. A pilot study was done to test the reliability and validity of the resultant adapted scales. Data from the main study was analysed for descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS version 27. The data were also analysed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) methodology with IBM Amos version 27 as the tool. All measurement models were validated through the pooled confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A second order CFA done confirmed that Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence were important component factors of Holistic Individual Characteristics. The fitness indices achieved the required level, specifically, the value of RMSEA= 0.041, GFI=0.982, CFI=0.980, TLI=0.970, CMIN/DF=1.645 and P= 0.037; while the b values showed that the most important component factor was Emotional Intelligence (b= 0.794) as compared to Spiritual Intelligence (b= 0.774). This study findings lend evidence to the importance of these constructs in shaping the holistic individual among Malaysian adolescents. It can help relevant authorities and parents to actually focus their efforts in developing the younger generation. Besides that, this study finding also helps to fill in the gap of theoretical knowledge in the area of emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence in relation to holistic individual development as well as in terms of its methodology of analysis.

Factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverages consumption among Malaysian adolescents: findings from the Adolescent Nutrition Survey 2017

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a public health problem in Malaysia. Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is associated with obesity in children. There is a lack of studies on factors associated with SSB consumption in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with SSB consumption among Malaysian adolescents. Methods: Data of 2,021 students, aged 10-17 years on sociodemographic, SSB intake and anthropometrics were drawn from the school-based Adolescent Nutrition Survey 2017. A multistage stratified cluster sampling was used to obtain a nationally representative sample of primary and secondary school students. Body mass index (BMI)-for-age status was determined based on calculated z-score using the World Health Organization 2007 reference. SSB consumption was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Malaysian adolescents were 16.6% and 14.7%, respectively. Malaysian adolescents consumed 1.4 cups of SSB per day. Rural children had a significantly higher SSB intake (1.5 cups) than urban (1.3 cups) children, while males (1.5 cups) had a significantly higher intake than females (1.3 cups). There were no significant differences in SSB consumption between thin, normal, overweight and obese adolescents. Conclusion: Almost all Malaysian adolescents consumed SSB during one month prior to the survey and the average amount consumed was 1.4 cups per day. Rural locality and male were associated with higher SSB consumption. There were differences in SSB consumption between Chinese and Malays, between Chinese and Indians, and between Chinese and Bumiputra Sarawak. There were no differences in consumption between the different BMI-for-age categories.

Digital Addiction: Systematic Review of Computer Game Addiction Impact on Adolescent Physical Health

The advancement of technology has enabled powerful microprocessors to render high-quality graphics for computer gaming. Despite being intended for leisure purposes, several components of the games alongside the gamer’s environmental factors have resulted in digital addiction (DA) towards computer games such as massively multiplayer online games (MMOG). Excessive gaming among adolescents has various negative impacts on an individual. However, only a few researchers have addressed the impact of DA on physical health. Thus, the primary objective of this research is to study the impact of DA on physical health among Malaysian adolescents. This study focuses on Malaysian adolescents of ages 12–18 years old who are addicted to computer games, specifically the MMOG. The methodology used for the study involves focus group discussions (FGD) and extensive literature study. The FGD sessions have involved both medical experts and game experts. The outcome of FGD discussion is recorded and justified with the existing relevant literature from high-impact journals, theses, conferences, books, and reports. This paper provides evidence of five physical health impacts of DA associated with adolescents. The factors of DA, the addiction components existing in MMOG computer games, and the DA health risk assessment are presented in the results section. Based on the study, it is concluded that DA among Malaysian adolescents can cause various impacts on physical health such as obesity, back pain, and neck pain, orthopaedic/joint muscle, eyesight problem, hearing problem, as well as physical inactivity.

Nicotine Dependence among Adolescents Single and Dual Cigarette Users

The prevalence of concurrent use of combustible and electronic cigarettes (dual-use) is on the rise among Malaysian adolescents. This study compares nicotine dependence among exclusive cigarette users, e-cigarette users, and dual adolescent users. A total of 227 adolescent smokers completed a self-administrated questionnaire with items based on Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) incorporated. Endorsement of at least one HONC item indicates nicotine dependence. Exhaled carbon monoxide readings and salivary cotinine data were also collected. Over half (52.9%) of the participants were exclusive e-cigarette users (EC). The prevalence of exclusive conventional cigarette smokers (CC) and dual users was 11.9% and 35.2%, respectively. Adolescents who have mothers with secondary school education were more likely to become addicted to nicotine (Adjusted Odd Ratio (aOR) = 2.72; 95% CI = 1.17–6.32). Adolescents’ “mother’s education” level predicted nicotine dependence. This highlighted the need to target families within the identified demography with a more supportive anti-tobacco program.

Adolescents Develop Their Identities Amidst Adversities

Adolescence is a somewhat turbulent phase of life to many. This paper explores the challenges of 6 Malaysian adolescents aged between 13 and 17 from low socioeconomic background in developing their identities. In depth semi-structured interviews were carried out. Family problems, peer pressure, and learning difficulties were among the main issues encountered. This study revealed that although the respondents’ families’ socio-economic status had affected them, it is not the determinant to their success nor failure. This study also suggests that a sound identity development and academic outcome could be achieved with relatively good parental involvement, well perceived expectations, fitting in with group of friends as well as a healthy surrounding