Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 85 in total

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  1. Zainal N, Rahardja A, Faris Irfan CY, Nasir A, Wan Pauzi WI, Mohamad Ikram I, et al.
    Singapore Med J, 2016 Dec;57(12):690-693.
    PMID: 26805669 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2016019
    INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of asthma-like symptoms among schoolchildren with low birth weight (LBW), and to compare the lung function of these children with that of children with normal birth weight.

    METHODS: This was a comparative cross-sectional study. We recruited children aged 8-11 years from eight primary schools in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. The children were divided into two groups: those with LBW (< 2,500 g) and those with normal birth weight (≥ 2,500 g). Parents of the enrolled children were asked to complete a translated version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Lung function tests, done using a MicroLoop Spirometer, were performed for the children in both groups by a single investigator who was blinded to the children's birth weight.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of 'ever wheezed' among the children with LBW was 12.9%. This value was significantly higher than that of the children with normal birth weight (7.8%). Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second, and forced expiratory flow when 50% and 75% of the FVC had been exhaled were significantly lower among the children with LBW as compared to the children with normal birth weight.

    CONCLUSION: LBW is associated with an increased prevalence of asthma-like symptoms and impaired lung function indices later in life. Children born with LBW may need additional follow-up so that future respiratory problems can be detected early.

    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  2. Zainal H, Dahlui M, Soelar SA, Su TT
    PLoS One, 2019;14(6):e0211997.
    PMID: 31237874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211997
    Preterm birth incidence has risen globally and remains a major cause of neonatal mortality despite improved survival. Demand and cost of initial hospitalization has also increased. This study assessed the cost of preterm birth during initial hospitalization from care provider perspective in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of two hospitals in the state of Kedah, Malaysia. It utilized universal sampling and prospectively followed up preterm infants till discharge. Care provider cost was assessed using mixed method of top down approach and activity based costing. A total of 112 preterm infants were recruited from intensive care (93 infants) and minimal care (19 infants) units. Majority were from the moderate (23%) and late (36%) preterm groups followed by very preterm (32%) and extreme preterm (9%). Median cost per infant increased with level of care and degree of prematurity. Cost was dominated by overhead (fixed) costs for general (hospital), intermediate (clinical support services) and final (NICU) cost centers where it constituted at least three quarters of admission cost per infant while the remainder was consumables (variable) cost. Breakdown of overhead cost showed NICU specific overhead contributing at least two thirds of admission cost per infant. Personnel salary made up three quarters of NICU specific overhead. Laboratory investigation was the cost driver for consumables. Gender, birth weight and length of stay were significant factors and cost prediction was developed with these variables. This study demonstrated the inverse relation between resource utilization, cost and prematurity and identified personnel salary as the cost driver. Cost estimates and prediction provide in-depth understanding of provider cost and are applicable for further economic evaluations. Since gender is non-modifiable and reducing LOS alone is not effective, birth weight as a cost predictive factor in this study can be addressed through measures to prevent or delay preterm birth.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight
  3. Yong HY, Mohd Shariff Z, Appannah G, Rejali Z, Mohd Yusof BN, Bindels J, et al.
    Public Health Nutr, 2020 Dec;23(18):3304-3314.
    PMID: 32814606 DOI: 10.1017/S1368980020002372
    OBJECTIVE: To examine the gestational weight gain (GWG) trajectory and its possible association with pregnancy outcomes.

    DESIGN: GWG trajectories were identified using the latent class growth model. Binary logistic regression was performed to examine the associations between adverse pregnancy outcomes and these trajectories.

    SETTING: Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

    PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand one hundred ninety-three pregnant women.

    RESULTS: Three GWG trajectories were identified: 'Group 1 - slow initial GWG but followed by drastic GWG', 'Group 2 - maintaining rate of GWG at 0·58 kg/week' and 'Group 3 - maintaining rate of GWG at 0·38 kg/week'. Group 1 had higher risk of postpartum weight retention (PWR) (adjusted OR (AOR) 1·02, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·04), caesarean delivery (AOR 1·03, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·04) and having low birth weight (AOR 1·04, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·05) compared with group 3. Group 2 was at higher risk of PWR (AOR 1·18, 95 % CI 1·16, 1·21), preterm delivery (AOR 1·03, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·05) and caesarean delivery (AOR 1·02, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·03), but at lower risk of having small-for-gestational-age infants (AOR 0·97, 95 % CI 0·96, 0·99) compared with group 3. The significant associations between group 1 and PWR were observed among non-overweight/obese women; between group 1 and caesarean delivery among overweight/obese women; group 2 with preterm delivery and caesarean delivery were only found among overweight/obese women.

    CONCLUSIONS: Higher GWG as well as increasing GWG trajectories was associated with higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Promoting GWG within the recommended range should be emphasised in antenatal care to prevent the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight
  4. Yeoh PL, Hornetz K, Shauki NIA, Dahlui M
    Int J Qual Health Care, 2018 Jul 01;30(6):466-471.
    PMID: 29590356 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzy041
    Objective: To assess the adequacy of antenatal care (ANC) and its association with pregnancy outcomes using an approach that includes adequacy of both utilization and content.

    Design: Retrospective cohort study.

    Setting and Participants: Women attending ANC at public-funded primary health clinics where data were extracted from individual records.

    Methods: Adequacy of utilization assessment was based on the concept of Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization index; adequacy of content assessed the recommended routine care received by the women according to local guidelines. Association between adequacy and pregnancy outcomes was examined using binary logistic regression.

    Main Outcome Measures: Pregnancy outcomes included preterm birth and low birth weight.

    Results: Sixty-three percent of women showed higher than recommended ANC utilization; 52% had <80% of recommended routine care content. Although not statistically significant, the odds of preterm birth was lower among women with adequate level of utilization compared with inadequate (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) = 2.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45-12.16) and intensive levels (aOR = 3.27, 95% CI 0.73-14.60). Regarding adequacy of content, women who received inadequate level of care content were associated with higher prevalence of preterm birth (aOR = 3.69, 95% CI 1.60-8.55).

    Conclusion: The study shows inadequate content is associated with higher prevalence of preterm birth and suggests that inadequate utilization increases the risk of preterm birth. It demonstrates the relevance of using both utilization and content assessment in evaluating quality of ANC. Further studies are encouraged to review the methods used.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight
  5. Yadav H, Lee N
    Med J Malaysia, 2013;68(1):44-7.
    PMID: 23466766 MyJurnal
    This study examines the association between maternal factors and low birth weight among newborns at a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. This was a cross-sectional study where mothers were followed through from first booking till delivery. There were 666 mothers who delivered from May 2007 to March 2008. Infants' birth weight were compared with maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, fathers BMI, parity, ethnicity, per capita monthly income, and maternal blood pressure during pregnancy. A multiple logistic regressions was used to determine the relationship of maternal factors and low birth weight, while the ROC curve was constructed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the predictive model. Among the significant risk factors of low birth weight were older age (35 years and above), low pre-pregnancy BMI (<20 kg/m2), parity of 4 and above, Indian origin, economically under privileged, and low and high blood pressure. Blood pressure during pregnancy was an important risk factor for LBW, by using this parameter alone the risk of LBW could be predicted with a sensitivity rate of 70% and a specificity rate of 70%. The sensitivity and specificity was further improved to 80% and 75% percent respectively when other factors like maternal factors such as maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, ethnicity, and per capita monthly income were included in the analysis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  6. Yadav H
    Med J Malaysia, 1994 Jun;49(2):164-8.
    PMID: 8090096
    The overall mean birth weight of the total deliveries (1986-1988) in Lundu Hospital was 2.96 kg. The mean birth weight for the male babies was 2.94 kg. The Chinese babies had a significantly higher mean birth weight (3.12 kg) than the other ethnic groups (p < 0.05). The overall incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in this study was 11.84 per cent. The Chinese again had a lower incidence of LBW of 6.73 per cent compared to Ibans who had the highest incidence of LBW, 13.59 per cent, with the Bidayuhs 12.97 per cent and Malays, 12.45 per cent. It was also noticed that of the 14.9 per cent preterm deliveries, 37.5 per cent were LBW. The very young mothers (15-19 years) and older mothers (> 40 years) seem to have a higher incidence of LBW. Mothers who had medical conditions like anaemia, hypertension, pre-eclampsia also had a higher incidence of LBW when compared to mothers who did not have a medical condition. Special emphasis should be given to mothers who have medical conditions, and to very young and very old mothers during antenatal care, to prevent incidence of LBW.
    Comment in: Chia CP. Low birth weight babies. Med J Malaysia. 1995 Mar;50(1):120
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  7. Yadav H
    Med J Malaysia, 1995 Sep;50(3):285-6.
    PMID: 8926914
    Author reply to: Chia CP. Low birth weight babies. Med J Malaysia. 1995 Mar;50(1):120.
    Comment on: Yadav H. Low birth weight incidence in Lundu, Sarawak. Med J Malaysia. 1994 Jun;49(2):164-8.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  8. Yadav H
    Singapore Med J, 1983 Jun;24(3):145-9.
    PMID: 6635677
    The birth weight distribution, mean birth weight and incidence of LBW amongst the various ethnic groups in Malaysia is described briefly. The data collected and analysed is hospital data where all deliveries in 1980 were analysed. The mean birth weight showed that the Chinese had the highest Mean Birth Weight amongst the three ethnic groups and the Indians had the lowest mean birth weights. The overall incidence of LBW was 11.8% and the Malay and Indian babies constituted the high
    incidence of LBW whereas the Chinese had a low incidence of LBW babies in the study. Amongst the various ethnic groups the Indians had a higher incidence of LBW compared to the Chinese and Malays.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  9. Wong HJ, Moy FM, Nair S
    BMC Public Health, 2014;14:785.
    PMID: 25086853 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-785
    Childhood malnutrition is a multi-dimensional problem. An increase in household income is not sufficient to reduce childhood malnutrition if children are deprived of food security, education, access to water, sanitation and health services. The aim of this study is to identify the characteristics of malnourished children below five years of age and to ascertain the risk factors of childhood malnutrition in a state in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight
  10. Wong HB
    J Singapore Paediatr Soc, 1986;28(1-2):104-11.
    PMID: 3762069
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  11. Wan, Ying Gan, Siti Fatihah Murtaza, Norhasmah Sulaiman, Zalilah Mohd Shariff
    Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(2):215-226.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Childhood stunting is recognised as one of the most significant
    barriers to human development. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the
    factors associated with stunting among Orang Asli (OA) preschool children in Negeri
    Sembilan, Malaysia.

    Methods: A total of 264 children (50.9% boys and 49.1%
    girls) aged 2-6 years (M=4.04, SD=1.21 years) including their mothers from 14 OA
    villages in Negeri Sembilan participated in this study. Mothers were interviewed to
    obtain information regarding socioeconomic status, sanitation facility and personal
    hygiene. The height of the children and their mothers were measured. Venous
    blood samples were drawn from the children to estimate haemoglobin level, and
    stool samples were collected to screen for intestinal parasitic infections.

    Results:
    Approximately one third of the children (35.6%) and 7.8% of the mothers were
    stunted. One in five of the children were anaemic (21.6%), while one- third had
    intestinal parasitic infections (35.0%). Low birth weight (AOR=2.526, 95% CI: 1.310-
    4.872; p=0.006), anaemia (AOR=2.742, 95% CI: 1.265-5.945; p=0.011), presence
    of intestinal parasitic infections (AOR=2.235, 95% CI: 1.310-3.813, p=0.003), not
    wearing shoes (AOR=2.602, 95% CI: 1.453-4.660; p=0.001), absence of piped water
    at home (AOR=2.395, 95% CI: 1.047-5.476; p=0.039), dirty nails (AOR=1.956, 95%
    CI: 1.163-3.289, p=0.011), and stunted mothers (AOR=3.443, 95% CI: 1.334-8.890;
    p=0.011) were identified as significant factors for childhood stunting.

    Conclusion:
    It is suggested that the factors identified associated with childhood stunting be
    included in future intervention programmes that address stunting among OA
    children.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight
  12. Ullah A, Barman A, Haque J, Khanum M, Bari I
    Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol, 2009 Nov;23(6):542-7.
    PMID: 19840290 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2009.01063.x
    It has been suggested that a birthweight limit of 2.5 kg should not be regarded as valid for all populations as the cut-off point of low-weight births because of demographic, genetic and environmental differences. Countries often choose alternative cut-off values for low birthweight for clinical purposes. Bangladesh also needs to choose a convenient cut-off value for low birthweight. A total of 770 live singleton full-term normal newborns were included in this study by stratified sampling; birthweight was measured using the Detecto-type baby weight machine. Newborns were followed up to the end of their first week of life. For data collection a pretested structured questionnaire and an Apgar Score estimating checklist were used. Chi-square test was applied to assess the association of different birthweight strata and neonatal health outcomes. Multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the independent effects of different levels of birthweight on early neonatal health. The neonates having birthweight < or = 2 kg had a significantly higher risk of early neonatal mortality and morbidity than the higher level birthweight group. Birth asphyxia was the commonest cause of early neonatal mortality and morbidity. Borderline birthweight (>2 to <2.5 kg) neonates experienced the same mortality and morbidity rates as the normal birthweight neonates during their early neonatal life. Birthweight < or = 2 kg may be one of the criteria for admission to a neonatal intensive care unit whereas more than 2 kg may not require admission unless otherwise necessary.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  13. Toh CK, Tan PC, Chan YK
    Med J Malaysia, 1984 Mar;39(1):21-7.
    PMID: 6513836
    The overall mortality rate of babies delivered in the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur has improved significantly from 18.5 in 1969-1971 to 9.9 per thousand live births in 1979-1981. This drop in mortality is also seen in those infants weighing 1001 - 2000 g at birth. Indian babies in the weight group 1001 - 1500 g at birth appear to have a significantly lower mortality than the other races. Babies referred from outside have a much higher mortality rate compared to babies delivered in University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  14. Tin TT, Thida M, Maung MM, Wai KT
    Malays J Reprod Health, 1994 Jun;12(1):32-7.
    PMID: 12320337
    PIP: To identify the maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight in Malaysia, the records of the 2613 infants delivered at North Okkalapa General Hospital from January to September 1990 were reviewed. The incidence of low birth weight during the 9-month study period was 21.1%; 18.1% of these cases were attributable to intrauterine growth retardation and 3% were associated with preterm births. Univariate analysis identified the following risk factors as significant: age under 20 years (.001), parity 1 (.001), maternal height of 145 cm or under (.01), maternal cigarette smoking (.01), maternal education of 8 years or less (.001), parity 5 or above (.05), and maternal age of 35 years and above (.05). A last birth interval of 1 year or less and more than 3 years was associated with an odds ratio exceeding 1, but the correlation with low birth weight was not significant. These risk factors should be used to design maternal health programs aimed at reducing the incidence of low birth weight.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  15. Thong MK, Ho JJ, Khatijah NN
    Ann Hum Biol, 2005 Mar-Apr;32(2):180-7.
    PMID: 16096215 DOI: 10.1080/03014460500075332
    Birth defects are one of the leading causes of paediatric disability and mortality in developed and developing countries. Data on birth defects from population-based studies originating from developing countries are lacking. One of the objectives of this study was to determine the epidemiology of major birth defects in births during the perinatal period in Kinta district, Perak, Malaysia over a 14-month period, using a population-based birth defect register. There were 253 babies with major birth defects in 17,720 births, giving an incidence of 14.3/1000 births, a birth prevalence of 1 in 70. There were 80 babies with multiple birth defects and 173 with isolated birth defects. The exact syndromic diagnosis of the babies with multiple birth defects could not be identified in 18 (22.5%) babies. The main organ systems involved in the isolated birth defects were cardiovascular (13.8%), cleft lip and palate (11.9%), clubfeet (9.1%), central nervous system (CNS) (including neural tube defects) (7.9%), musculoskeletal (5.5%) and gastrointestinal systems (4.7%), and hydrops fetalis (4.3%). The babies with major birth defects were associated with lower birth weights, premature deliveries, higher Caesarean section rates, prolonged hospitalization and increased specialist care. Among the cohort of babies with major birth defects, the mortality rate was 25.2% during the perinatal period. Mothers with affected babies were associated with advanced maternal age, birth defects themselves or their relatives but not in their other offspring, and significantly higher rates of previous abortions. The consanguinity rate of 2.4% was twice that of the control population. It is concluded that a birth defects register is needed to monitor these developments and future interventional trials are needed to reduce birth defects in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight
  16. Thaver I, Ahmad AM, Ashraf M, Asghar SK, Mirza MS
    J Pak Med Assoc, 2020 Dec;70(12(A)):2092-2101.
    PMID: 33475578 DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.1218
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect on maternal and infant health of iron plus folate and multiple micronutrient supplements, along with deworming and health education session provided to pregnant women in rural, nonagrarian and food-insecure areas.

    METHODS: The quasi-experimental study was conducted in Tharparker and Umerkot districts, Sindh, Pakistan, in 2013-14, and comprised pregnant women in their earlier weeks of pregnancy. The enrolment and follow-up phase entailed 3 visits to each subject. Areas covered by lady health workers were designated as intervention areas, and those with non-LHW population were labelled as non-intervention areas.

    RESULTS: Of the 1204 subjects, 600(49.8%) were in the intervention group and 604(50.2%) were in the nonintervention group. By the end of the follow-up phase, significantly more women had increased number of meals in the intervention group compared to the non-intervention group (p<0.001). There was a significantly higher increase in mean haemoglobin levels and body mass index of women in the intervention arm after 3 and 6 months of interventions (p<0.05). Significantly higher mean birth weight was recorded in intervention areas compared to nonintervention areas (p<0.05).

    CONCLUSIONS: Community-based provision of multiple micronutrients to women along with deworming, health education and dietary counselling significantly reduced the prevalence of anaemia and reduced the incidence of low birth weight.

    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight
  17. Tee ES, Kandiah M, Ali J, Kandiah V, Zahari MR, Kuladevan R, et al.
    Malays J Reprod Health, 1984 Jun;2(1):32-50.
    PMID: 12267519
    The study presents recent data on the prevalence and pattern of nutritional anemia in the Maternity Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. A total of 309 pregnant women in their third trimester, of Malay, Chinese and Indian origin from the lower socio-economic strata were randomly selected for the study. Hematological indices (including Hb, PCV, MCHC, and TRBC), serum iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin, serum folate as well as protein and albumin were determined. Based on Hb and PCV values, 30-40 percent of the women could be considered anemic; approximately 50 percent of them presented with unsatisfactory serum iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin values; 60.9 percent had low serum folate levels; and about 30 percent may be considered to be of poor protein nutriture. Anemia in the study population was seen to be related mostly to iron and to a lesser extent, folate deficiency. Hematological, iron, folate and protein status was observed to be the poorest amongst the Indian women, better in the Malay group and generally the best amongst the Chinese women. Birth records of 169 of these women revealed that all of them had live births. Nearly all the infants were delivered by normal vaginal delivery (NVD) The mean gestational age was 38.6 weeks. One of the infants had a birth weight of <2.0 kg; incidence of low birth weight, <2.5 kg, was 8.3 percent. Although there was a trend of deteriorating hematological, iron and protein status of women from the 0, 1 -3 and >=4 parity groups, these differences were not statlstlcally significant.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight
  18. Tan, Bee Hwai
    MyJurnal
    There is a strong need to reduce costs of hospital and advocating health economics in countries like the United States of America. The rising cost of healthcare globally especially in the United States of America has interestingly outraged the temper of many citizens about the Obamacare and Trumpcare. The issue about high cost in healthcare is the failure for people globally to recognize that healthcare facility is a 24-hour round-the-clock service. It therefore involves doubling of the utility bills, tripling the manpower due to shifts and rest, wear-and-tear of basic electrical devices is short-lived, breakdown period of huge machine is consistently due to overloaded usages in the government hospitals and poor knowledge of the maintenance programme. Low birth weights (LBW) is a public health concern because it has a well-known predisposition to increased risk for perinatal infections, respiratory distress and ultimately mortality. There is also a higher risk of poor health outcomes throughout the life course of the LBW newborns that includes Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, neurodevelopmental disabilities and cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization and United Nations Child’s Fund estimate the prevalence of low birth weights in the world ranges from 3% to 32%. Albania in the year 2000 recorded prevalence of low birth weight of 3% whereas Yemen recorded a low birth weight of 32% in 1997. In 2015, the US national vital statistics pointed out that 83.9% of preterm birth (PTB) are LBW. This indicates that prevention of PTB will lead to a decrease in the incidence of LBW.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight
  19. Tan KL, Woon KY
    J Singapore Paediatr Soc, 1979;Suppl:57-67.
    PMID: 550004
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight
  20. TambyRaja RL
    Matern Child Health J, 1999 Jun;3(2):111-3.
    PMID: 10892419
    Singapore provides a rich environment for investigations into ethnic differences in pregnancy outcome, as it is populated by Malays, Indians, and Chinese. Years of clinical practice and obstetric research in this environment have affirmed the observation that many factors interact in determining length of gestation and birth weight, and that these factors have differential affects among these three different ethnic groups. Although technological advances have furthered our understanding of obstetrical outcomes and provided essential tools to promote the survival of premature infants, the persistent use of uniform growth standards hampers our ability to assure positive outcomes for women of different ethnicity. Recognition of ethnic differences has resulted in declines in certain negative pregnancy outcomes for women in Singapore. The development of race-specific uterine growth curves will enhance the provision of perinatal care for all women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Low Birth Weight
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