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Biomedical subjects

K C Lun

Publications and source records attributed to K C Lun.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Physical activity in Chinese, Malays and Indians in Singapore.

A population based survey has measured levels of physical activity by questionnaire in persons aged 18 to 69 years in Singapore. Levels of physical activity were classified into high, medium and low based on activity in leisure and at work. The only ethnic difference was that for males a higher proportion were classified as "high" activity in Malays (24.8%) than Chinese (16.0%) and Indians (18.1%). For the overall 18 to 69 age group, it was found that for males, the proportions in the "low" category were Chinese 80%, Malays 70% and Indians 75% while for females it was 95% in all three ethnic groups. As physical activity of sufficient intensity is important in disease prevention and health promotion, more needs to be done on educating the public in Singapore about the benefits of regular exercise.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Alcohol consumption in Chinese, Malays and Indians in Singapore.

A population based survey has measured alcohol consumption by questionnaire in persons aged 18 to 69 years in Singapore. The majority were "occasional/none" drinkers, being males (Chinese 87%, Malays 99% and Indians 80%) and females (Chinese 98%, Malays 100% and Indians 100%). "Heavy" consumption was uncommon in males (Chinese 0.6%, Malays 0% and Indians 1.3%) and absent in females, while "heavy/moderate" drinking was males (Chinese 5.7%, Malays 0.5% and Indians 3.8%) and females (Chinese 0.3%, Malays 0% and Indians 0%). For males, "light" drinking was highest in Indians (15.9%), then Chinese (7.8%) and then Malays (0.5%). This survey indicates that alcohol consumption is not yet a major public health problem in Singapore.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Obesity and body mass indices in Chinese, Malays and Indians in Singapore.

A population based cross-sectional survey has measured body mass indices (BMIs) in Singapore and compared their means and the proportions who are overweight and obese amongst Chinese, Malays and Indians. For males there was little ethnic differences; for the 18-69 age group, the age-adjusted mean BMIs being Chinese 22.3, Malays 23.1 and Indians 22.5. However for females, Malays and Indians were considerably more obese than Chinese; for the 18-69 age group the age-adjusted mean BMIs in Malays (25.1) and Indians (24.6) were significantly greater (p less than 0.001) than in Chinese (22.2). The proportions categorised as overweight or obese (BMI equal to or more than 26 in males and 25 in females) were males (Chinese 16.7%, Malays 22.4%, and Indians 14.0%) and females (Chinese 21.2%, Malays 51.5%, and Indians 42.0%). Health education on the harmful effects of obesity should be targeted especially on Malay and Indian females.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Ischaemic heart disease and its risk factors in Singapore in comparison with other countries.

Mortality from ischaemic heart disease in Singapore is now reaching comparability with the West. For the early 1980s, rates for Indians and Malays were higher than in U.S.A. and England and Wales and while those for Chinese were lower they were considerably higher than in Japan. In keeping with this the levels of the major risk factors in Singapore are now comparable to the West. Cigarette smoking in males is virtually the same as in Britain, while the proportion of hypertensives on medication is higher than in the West. The main cause for concern is the current high levels of serum cholesterol in Singapore and strenuous health education efforts are needed to bring about dietary changes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Survey of acute pesticide poisoning among agricultural workers in four Asian countries.

The study investigated the extent of acute pesticide poisoning in selected agricultural communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, as well as the contributing factors, because it is believed that this type of poisoning is a major problem in developing countries, but not in the industrialized countries, despite their extensive use of pesticides. The study confirmed the existence of this problem, which was found to be due to inadequate knowledge of the safe practices in the use of pesticides among users and to the lack of suitable protective clothing for use by agricultural workers in hot and humid climates.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1987

Projecting the demand for institutional care by the aged in Singapore in the year 2000.

One of the areas of concern in a rapidly ageing population is the anticipated increase in demand for institutional care by the aged. This paper reports a procedure used for projecting such type of demand by the aged population in Singapore for the year 2000. The procedure involves two fundamental processes: estimating the present demand for such services and projecting the demand at some future time-frame (year 2000) using the baseline information and making assumptions about the influence of demographic, health and socio-economic factors altering demand. Estimation of present demand is made using a model that generally classifies aged persons in the population by functional status and residential status. Projection of future demand for institutional care is done using a 3 X 3 matrix of projection models. Three principal models (representing low, medium and high projections) are used to represent varying degrees of expected change in disease load among the aged population. Three sub-models are, in turn, used to fine-tune each principal model to reflect possible changes in the demand for institutional and hospital care within each functional status group.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

Blood cholinesterase levels among agricultural workers in four Asian countries.

In this study whole blood cholinesterase activities were determined (tintometric method) of agricultural pesticide users exposed to organophosphorus compounds in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Analysis of the data demonstrated a universal relationship between cholinesterase levels and the time between the last exposure to organophosphorus compounds and the day of blood collection for cholinesterase determination. It is suggested that it takes approximately 5 days before whole blood cholinesterase levels revert to their normal values. No relationship between whole blood cholinesterase levels and the sex of pesticide users was demonstrated except in Sri Lanka where female sprayers had lower values. It is suggested that these lower values are associated with the anaemic status of female agricultural workers. No relationship between whole blood cholinesterase level and age was demonstrated. The measurement of pre-exposure cholinesterase values is essential for comparison of values after pesticide application.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Ethnic group differences in low birthweight of live singletons in Singapore, 1981-3.

All singleton live births occurring in Singapore in the three years 1981-3 were computed, and birthweight was examined in the different ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay, and Indian). Overall the proportions of babies of very low birthweight (less than 1500 g) and low birthweight (less than 2500 g) were: Chinese 0.3% and 6.1%, Malays 0.4% and 8.5%, and Indians 0.5% and 10.0%. The important finding was that in all gestational periods and virtually all maternal age and live birth order groups Indians had the highest proportion of very low and low birthweight babies. However for prematurity Indians at 6.7% had a higher rate than Chinese (5.1%) but lower than Malays (9.9%). Likewise for neonatal mortality Indians at 8.7 per 1000 live births were between Chinese (7.1) and Malays (9.1). The evidence seems to indicate that the reason for Indians having a higher proportion of low birthweight babies is partly ethnic/genetic, and the cut-off point of 2500 g should perhaps be lowered for babies from the Indian subcontinent when international comparisons are being made.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Prevalence of respiratory illnesses of school children in the industrial, urban and rural areas of Singapore.

An epidemiological survey of 3216 primary school children living in the industrial, urban and rural areas of Singapore revealed a high prevalence of various respiratory symptoms and illnesses, with 13.1% cough, 8.2% wheezy chest, 25.9% blocked/running nose, 4.3% sinusitis, 7.8% asthmatic attacks and 4.1% bronchitis/pneumonia. Differences in the prevalence of respiratory illnesses and lung function tests were observed among children in the three areas, but this could not be accounted for by the varying air pollution levels which have been maintained below the long-term standards set up by WHO. It was probably responsible for the differences noted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Total uterine activity in induced labour--an index of cervical and pelvic tissue resistance.

Uterine activity was studied during labour induced using an automatic infusion system (AIS) or a peristaltic infusion pump (IVAC) to administer oxytocin. In the 110 patients who achieved vaginal delivery the total uterine activity required to effect full dilatation of the uterine cervix was found to vary according to parity and cervical score but not according to mode of oxytocin infusion. Irrespective of whether the uterine activity level per 15 min was maintained at between 700 and 1500 kPas or at between 1500 and 2000 kPas, the total uterine activity was similar the lower levels being compensated for by a longer duration. Fetal outcome, in terms of 1- and 5-min Apgar scores and umbilical vein blood pH, was unaffected by the level of uterine activity. The cervical and pelvic tissue resistance varies according to parity and cervical score and the uterus has to achieve a certain total uterine activity in induced labour which is best achieved by maintaining optimal uterine activity levels of 1500-2000 kPas/15 min to effect vaginal delivery of the baby in good condition in optimal time.

Cervix Uteri↗
PubMed1985

Dermatitis in small-scale metal industries.

A survey in 21 small metal factories in Singapore revealed that 6.6% of 751 workers (530 male, 221 female) had a skin disorder on their hands and arms. Dermatitis accounted for 4.5% (34 cases) and follicular rashes for 1% (8 cases). Positive patch tests were found in 23% (8 cases) of those with dermatitis and in 9.8% (21 workers) of a control group without any skin problem. Dermatitis was found to be associated with exposure to solvents. Simultaneous analysis of various exposure/risk factors by multiple logistic regression indicated a significant effect of combined exposure to oils and solvents (interaction). Being over 35 years of age was also a significant risk factor, whereas the rôle of contact allergy, detected by patch testing, was less pronounced.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

HLA and Chinese patients with juvenile onset diabetes mellitus.

The HLA profile of 147 Chinese patients with juvenile onset diabetes mellitus was studied. There were HLA associations related to different age of onset of the disease. The patients who presented during the first decade of life had strong linkages with AW 33, B 17 and BW 22 (BW 54/55) but a weak association with DR 4. In contrast, patients whose age of onset ranged from 31 to 39 years had increased frequency of BW 46. Patients with diabetic complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease) which were present singly or in combination were associated with HLA AW 33 and B 17. It would appear that genetic factor may be related to both the age of onset of diabetes as well as to the development of complications.

Adolescent↗