Influence of perceived stress on dressing and eating behaviors of Chinese female university students residing in the United States

Jayanthi Kandiah,DIANA SAIKI,Kiya Dues,Alyssa Dana Adomaitis 한국의류학회 2018 Fashion and Textiles Vol.5 No.1

The objective of this research was to evaluate how perceived stressful conditions (PSC) and perceived non-stressful conditions (PNSC) influence eating and dressing behaviors of Chinese females. Chinese female university students (18–30 years) residing in the United States, completed a validated and reliable 45-itemized Chinese Stress Eating and Dressing Survey (CSEDS). The CSEDS included: (i) effort to control making healthy eating choices and dressing, (ii) foods eaten and dress items selected during PSC, (iii) foods eaten and dress items selected during PNSC, and (iv) demographics. Seven comfort food categories and eight appearance categories were used. The CSEDS included multiple choice, yes/no, and Likert scale questions. Statistical analyses were performed using t tests. A total of 129 females completed the CSEDS. Mean body mass index (BMI) calculated from reported heights and weights was 20.86 ± 3.86. From PNSC to PSC, there were significant decreases in all dressing patterns (p < .028), and the majority of the participants reported dressing casually during PSC (78.3%). Overall, there was a decrease in the types of foods eaten during PNSC to PSC, but significance was noted for common foods (e.g., Chinese, Other Asian, Italian, American, and Mexican; p = .033), mixed dishes (e.g., casseroles, soy and vegetable based dishes, meat entrees, and salads; p = .018), and soft foods (e.g., rice, noodles, bread, dumplings, and eggs; p = .003). During PSC, Chinese females tended to select a limited variety of foods, forgo appearance enhancement items, and dress casually suggesting that ethnic groups vary in eating and dressing behaviors. Findings from this research contribute to the body of knowledge related to stress and its influence on appearance (eating and dressing) behaviors specifically of Chinese female university students when transitioning from one country to another.

Clinical Aspects of Neurobehavioral Symptoms of Dementia

Yang YoungSoon,Kandiah Nagaendran,Kim SangYun,Kwak Yong Tae 대한치매학회 2020 Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders Vol.19 No.2

Neurobehavioral symptoms of dementia (NBSD) are very common and are significant symptoms of the illness, contributing most to caregiver burdens and often resulting in premature institutionalization of the person with dementia. The main symptoms of NBSD are anxiety, depression, delusions, and hallucinations. NBSD produce significant problems for both patients and caregivers. The pathophysiology of NBSD is determined by genetic, structural, or environmental factors. Therefore, treatment of NBSD requires continuous and organic cooperation between patients, caregivers, social environments, and doctors. Therefore, it is important for neurologists, who mainly view NBSD for dementia patients, to increase their understanding of these more comprehensive areas as well as the latest insights and treatments to help patients and caregivers.

Colorectal Cancer and its Association with the Metabolic Syndrome: a Malaysian Multi-Centric Case-Control Study

Ulaganathan, V.,Kandiah, M.,Zalilah, M.S.,Faizal, J.A.,Fijeraid, H.,Normayah, K.,Gooi, B.H.,Othman, R. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are both on the rise in Malaysia. A multi-centric case-control study was conducted from December 2009 to January 2011 to determine any relationship between the two. Methods: Patients with confirmed CRC based on colonoscopy findings and cancer free controls from five local hospitals were assessed for MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition. Each index case was matched for age, gender and ethnicity with two controls (140: 280). Results: MetS among cases was highly prevalent (70.7%), especially among women (68.7%). MetS as an entity increased CRC risk by almost three fold independently (OR=2.61, 95%CI=1.53-4.47). In men MetS increased the risk of CRC by two fold (OR=2.01, 95%CI, 1.43-4.56), demonstrating an increasing trend in risk with the number of Mets components observed. Conclusion: This study provides evidence fora positive association between the metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer. A prospective study on the Malaysian population is a high priority to confirm these findings.

Diet and Physical Activity in Relation to Weight Change among Breast Cancer Patients

Yaw, Yong Heng,Shariff, Zalilah Mohd,Kandiah, Mirnalini,Weay, Yong Heng,Saibul, Nurfaizah,Sariman, Sarina,Hashim, Zailina Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.1

Background: This study aimed to provide an overview of lifestyle changes after breast cancer diagnosis and to examine the relationship between dietary and physical activity changes with weight changes in breast cancer patients. Women with breast carcinomas (n=368) were recruited from eight hospitals and four breast cancer support groups in peninsular Malaysia. Dietary and physical activity changes were measured from a year preceding breast cancer diagnosis to study entry. Mean duration since diagnosis was $4.86{\pm}3.46$ years. Dietary changes showed that majority of the respondents had decreased their intake of high fat foods (18.8-65.5%), added fat foods (28.3-48.9%), low fat foods (46.8-80.7%), red meat (39.7%), pork and poultry (20.1-39.7%) and high sugar foods (42.1-60.9%) but increased their intake of fish (42.7%), fruits and vegetables (62.8%) and whole grains (28.5%). Intake of other food groups remained unchanged. Only a small percentage of the women (22.6%) had increased their physical activity since diagnosis where most of them (16.0%) had increased recreational activities. Age at diagnosis (${\beta}$= -0.20, p= 0.001), and change in whole grain (${\beta}$= -0.15, p= 0.003) and fish intakes (${\beta}$= 0.13, p= 0.013) were associated with weight changes after breast cancer diagnosis. In summary, the majority of the women with breast cancer had changed their diets to a healthier one. However, many did not increase their physical activity levels which could improve their health and lower risk of breast cancer recurrence.

Diet intervention to improve cardiovascular risk factors among Iranian postmenopausal women

Parvin Abedi,Mary Huang Soo Lee,Mirnalini Kandiah,Zaitun Yassin,Davood Shojaeezade,Mostafa Hosseini,Reza Malihi 한국영양학회 2010 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.4 No.6

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability and remains so in the future. The aim of this study was to detect the impact of a 6-month diet intervention on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal Iranian women. It was a randomized controlled trial that carried out in the East Health Clinic in Ahvaz- Iran. This study started on June 2007 and was completed on May 2008. A total 64 healthy postmenopausal women recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention group (35) and control (29). Over the six months follow-up, the intervention group received five educational sessions (two face to face and three lecture discussion classes with slide demonstration) at the first month. These sessions were about menopause, cardiovascular disease and healthy diet. Every participant in the intervention group received one face to face education session at the 3<SUP>rd</SUP> month, and also received a telephone call at the end of each month starting with the second month to remain on the diet. Pre-intervention and post-intervention anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood lipids and dietary intake were assessed. Data analyzed using the SPSS version 15. Descriptive (means and SD), univariate (Paired-t test, Chi-Square and Independent T-test) and multivariate (GLM Repeated Measure) statistics were used. Participants in the diet group had significantly lower weight (-0.9 ㎏), body mass index (-0.4 ㎏/㎡), and fasting blood sugar (-4.5 ㎎/dl). The diet group significantly increased their daily intake of fiber (+2.3 g, P = 0.05), decreased their intake of sodium (-28 ㎎, P = 0.04), and consumption of fruit and vegetable ≥ 5 serving a day (80%, P = 0.03) compared to the control group. Post menopausal women are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease. Healthy diet using educational intervention can be an effective means of reducing cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women.

Stages of change to increase fruit and vegetable intake and its relationships with fruit and vegetable intake and related psychosocial factors

Wong Chee Yen,Zalilah Mohd Shariff,Mirnalini Kandiah,Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib 한국영양학회 2014 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.8 No.3

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Understanding individual’s intention, action and maintenance to increase fruit and vegetable intake is an initial step in designing nutrition or health promotion programs. This study aimed to determine stages of change to increase fruit and vegetable intake and its relationships with fruit and vegetable intake, self-efficacy, perceived benefits and perceived barriers. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 348 public university staff in Universiti Putra Malaysia. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire and two days 24-hour diet recall were used. RESULTS: Half of the respondents (50%) were in preparation stage, followed by 43% in action/maintenance, 7% in pre-contemplation/contemplation stages. Respondents in action/maintenance stages had significantly higher self-efficacy (F =9.17, P < 0.001) and perceived benefits (F =5.07, P < 0.01) while respondents in pre-contemplation/contemplation and preparation stages had significantly higher perceived barriers (F = 4.83, P < 0.05). Perceived benefits tend to outweigh perceived barriers pre-ceding to taking action. Self-efficacy is important in motivating individuals to increase fruit and vegetable intake as self-efficacy and perceived barriers crossed over between preparation and action/maintenance. Respondents in action/maintenance stages had the highest adjusted mean serving of fruit and vegetable intake (F = 4.52, P < 0.05) but the intake did not meet recommendation. CONCLUSION: Intervention strategies should emphasize on increasing perceived benefits and building self-efficacy by providing knowledge and skills to consume a diet high in fruits and vegetables in order to promote healthy changes in having high fruit and vegetable intake.

Diet intervention to improve cardiovascular risk factors among Iranian postmenopausal women

Abedi, Parvin,Lee, Mary Huang-Soo,Kandiah, Mirnalini,Yassin, Zaitun,Shojaeezade, Davood,Hosseini, Mostafa,MSc, Reza Malihi The Korean Nutrition Society 2010 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol. No.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability and remains so in the future. The aim of this study was to detect the impact of a 6-month diet intervention on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal Iranian women. It was a randomized controlled trial that carried out in the East Health Clinic in Ahvaz-Iran. This study started on June 2007 and was completed on May 2008. A total 64 healthy postmenopausal women recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention group (35) and control (29). Over the six months follow-up, the intervention group received five educational sessions (two face to face and three lecture discussion classes with slide demonstration) at the first month. These sessions were about menopause, cardiovascular disease and healthy diet. Every participant in the intervention group received one face to face education session at the $3^{rd}$ month, and also received a telephone call at the end of each month starting with the second month to remain on the diet. Pre-intervention and post-intervention anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood lipids and dietary intake were assessed. Data analyzed using the SPSS version 15. Descriptive (means and SD), univariate (paired-t test, Chi-Square and Independent T-test) and multivariate (GLM Repeated Measure) statistics were used. Participants in the diet group had significantly lower weight (-0.9 kg), body mass index (-0.4 $kg/m^2$), and fasting blood sugar (-4.5 mg/dl). The diet group significantly increased their daily intake of fiber (+2.3 g, P=0.05), decreased their intake of sodium (-28 mg, P=0.04), and consumption of fruit and vegetable ${\geq}$ 5 serving a day (80%, P=0.03) compared to the control group. Post menopausal women are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease. Healthy diet using educational intervention can be an effective means of reducing cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women.

Assessing the children’s views on foods and consumption of selected food groups

Sharifah Intan Zainun Sharif I,Shamarina Shohaimi,Mirnalini Kandiah 한국영양학회 2013 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.7 No.2

The food choices in childhood have high a probability of being carried through into their adulthood life, which then contributes to the risk of many non-communicable diseases. Therefore, there is a need to gather some information about children’s views on foods which may influence their food choices for planning a related dietary intervention or programme. This paper aimed to explore the views of children on foods and the types of foods which are usually consumed by children under four food groups (snacks, fast foods, cereals and cereal products; and milk and dairy products) by using focus group discussions. A total of 33 school children aged 7-9 years old from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur participated in the focus groups. Focus groups were audio-taped, transcribed and analyzed according to the listed themes. The outcomes show that the children usually consumed snacks such as white bread with spread or as a sandwich, local cakes, fruits such as papaya, mango and watermelon, biscuits or cookies, tea, chocolate drink and instant noodles. Their choices of fast foods included pizza, burgers, French fries and fried chicken. For cereal products, they usually consumed rice, bread and ready-to-eat cereals. Finally, their choices of dairy products included milk, cheese and yogurt. The reasons for the food liking were taste, nutritional value and the characteristics of food. The outcome of this study may provide additional information on the food choices among Malaysian children, especially in urban areas with regard to the food groups which have shown to have a relationship with the risk of childhood obesity.

Attitudes and Acceptability of Smart Wear Technology: Qualitative Analysis from the Perspective of Caregivers

Park, Soonjee,Harden, Amy J.,Nam, Jinhee,Saiki, Diana,Hall, Scott S.,Kandiah, Jay The Korean Home Economics Association 2012 International Journal of Human Ecology Vol.13 No.2

Smart wear integrates computing technology into fabric or a garment for additional functionality. This research explored the attitudes and opinions of the use of smart wear from the viewpoint of caregivers. Thirty two individuals including care providers of children and adult family members with health problems participated in focus group interviews. Participants reported being interested in smart wear because of the potential to detect the location (GPS) of a dependent (e.g., child, elderly) and to monitor vital signs. Participants indicated perceived advantages of smart wear such as identifying geographical location and effectiveness. Perceived concerns mentioned were privacy/security issues and accuracy of data. Participants taking care of dependents without a specific disease were hesitant to adopt and pay for smart wear. However, caregivers of elderly individuals expressed positive adoption intentions and willingness to reasonably pay for smart wear. They indicated expectations that potential insurance would provide coverage for cost savings. Caregivers expressed the need of specific requirements for future adoption such as customizability, and comfort/safety. Specific to smart wear clothing, most respondents preferred it be an undershirt or a jacket with a sensor located in the shoulder area. The findings from this study can be used in product development, promotion and marketing of smart wear.

CLOTHING & TEXTILES : Attitudes and Acceptability of Smart Wear Technology: Qualitative Analysis from the Perspective of Caregivers

( Soon Jee Park ),( Amy J. Harden ),( Jin Hee Nam ),( Diana Saiki ),( Scott S. Hall ),( Jay Kandiah ) 대한가정학회 2012 International Journal of Human Ecology Vol.13 No.2