A review of published literature regarding health issues of coastal communities in Sabah, Malaysia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2020
Abstract
Several of the coastal zones in Sabah, Malaysia, are isolated and inaccessible. This study aimed to review the published literature on the health status of the coastal communities in Sabah. The following four main health issues were found: (i) malaria, (ii) tuberculosis (TB), (iii) seafood poisoning, and (iv) antenatal problems. Factors associated with the risk of acquiring malarial infection in the studied coastal area were advanced age, male sex, farming as an occupation, history of travel outside the village, and rainy seasons. TB infection was primarily observed in adult men. Seafood poisoning was significantly common in Sabah. Studies have reported that tetrodotoxin and paralytic shellfish poisoning were commonly reported (30-60 cases annually). Several pregnant women in the coastal community had insufficient knowledge of the national antenatal care programme. Nonetheless, 99% of them received antenatal care at public healthcare facilities with 92% of them undergoing safe delivery. Nevertheless, a majority of the pregnant women had iodine deficiency due to low iodised salt intake. Findings from this review highlighted that the coastal communities in Sabah are experiencing significant health problems. Specific attention is required to significantly enhance the health and well-being of the individuals living in the coastal communities in Sabah.
Keywords
Health status, Coastal, Sabah
Divisions
Science
Funders
Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) UK via the delivery partner Research and Innovation (UKRI) [NE/P021107/1],Universiti Malaya [IF052-2107],UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) [NE/P021107/1]
Publication Title
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume
17
Issue
5
Publisher
MDPI
Publisher Location
ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND