Page 35 - nhms2012 Perak

Discussion PERAK GSHS 2012

4.0 DISCUSSION

The prevalence of current alcohol use in Perak was higher than the national prevalence (10.7% vs
8.9%). As in other states, more than half of these students had initiated their _rst drink before the age
of less than 14 years and the prevalence was higher than the national _nding (67.9% vs 63.5%). As in
almost all the states, the most common source of alcohol drink was the family. Almost half (46.3%) of
current drinkers in Perak obtained their alcoholic drinks from their families and this prevalence was
higher than the national _gure (34.6%). Drunkenness among students in Perak was found to be higher
than the national prevalence (6.9% vs 6.3%).

A higher prevalence of students was at risk of underweight compared to the national _gure (9.3% vs
8.8%). Additionally, more students were at risk of overweight and obese compared to the national
_ndings (24.1% vs 22.8% and 11.3% vs 9.5%, respectively). Consumption of fruit and vegetable at
least _ve times daily was lower compared to the national prevalence (24.4% vs 28.7%). Consumption
of soft drinks and fast food were both lower than the national _gures (22.7% vs 29.4% and 4.4% vs
6.0%, respectively). The prevalence of students who drank plain water at least _ve times daily and
took breakfast daily were both almost similar to the national prevalence (57.4% vs 54.8% and 18.5%
vs 19.2%, respectively).

The prevalence of students who never or rarely wash their hands before eating and after using the
toilet were lower than the national _gures (4.5% vs 5.0% and 4.4% vs 5.4%, respectively). However, the
prevalence of those who never or rarely used soap when washing their hands was higher than the
national prevalence (14.6% vs 13.7%). About 8 in 10 students (81.6%) in Perak brushed their teeth at
least twice daily. However, this _gure was the lowest among all states. The state of Perak recorded a
lower prevalence of students who reported the use of `uoridated toothpaste compared to the
national prevalence (52.7% vs 57.2%). Additionally, this prevalence was also observed to be the lowest
among all states.

Less students reported not being able to sleep at night due to worry as compared to the national
_gure (5.1% vs 5.4%). About 8.4% of students reported feeling lonely most of the time in the past 12
months and this _gure almost similar to the national prevalence (8.1%). More students claimed they
did not have a close friend compared to the _nding at national level (3.8% vs 3.1%). Suicidal ideation,
plan and attempt were lower compared to the national prevalence (5.6% vs 7.9%, 4.8% vs 6.4% and
5.3% vs 6.8%, respectively).

The prevalence of being physically active (spent at least 60 minutes daily on _ve or more days a week)
was lower than the national prevalence (20.6% vs 22.7). Additionally, the prevalence of students who
had engaged in sedentary activities such as watching television or playing computer game for at
least 3 hours a day was comparable to the national prevalence (49.5% vs 47.3%).

Truancy among students in Perak was higher compared to the national prevalence (35.6% vs 30.9%).
It was observed that this _gure was the highest among all states as in Perlis and Terengganu. The
prevalence of peer support was comparable to the national _gure (42.0% vs 44.3%). Parental or
guardian bonding was higher than the national _gure (47.0% vs 43.1%), while parental or guardian
supervision and connectedness were both lower compared to the national prevalence (11.7% vs
14.2% and 27.3% vs 31.5%, respectively).

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