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  1. Early detection and prevention of domestic violence using the Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) in primary health care clinics in Malaysia
    Wong YL, Othman S
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2008;20(2):102-16.
    PMID: 19124304 DOI: 10.1177/1010539507311899
    Despite being an emergent major public health problem, little research has been done on domestic violence from the perspectives of early detection and prevention. Thus, this cross-sectional study was conducted to identify domestic violence among female adult patients attending health centers at the primary care level and to determine the relationship between social correlates of adult patients and domestic violence screening and subsequent help/health-seeking behavior if abused. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 710 female adult patients from 8 health centers in Selangor who matched the inclusion criteria and consented to participate in the study, using a structured questionnaire that included adaptation of a validated 8-item Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). Statistical tests showed significant differences in ethnicity, income, and education between those screened positive and those screened negative for domestic violence. Of the participants, 92.4% reported that during consultations, doctors had never asked them whether they were abused by their husband/partner. Yet, 67.3% said they would voluntarily tell the doctor if they were abused by their husband/partner. The findings indicate that primary care has an important role in identifying domestic violence by applying the WAST screening tool, or an appropriate adaptation, with women patients during routine visits to the various health centers. Such assessment for abuse could be secondary prevention for the abused women, but more important, it will serve as primary prevention for nonabused women. This approach not only will complement the existing 1-stop crisis center policy by the Ministry of Health that copes with crisis intervention but also will spearhead efforts toward prevention of domestic violence in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  2. Development and validation of the osteoporosis patient satisfaction questionnaire (OPSQ)
    Lai PS, Chua SS, Chan SP, Low WY, Wong IC
    Maturitas, 2010 Jan;65(1):55-63.
    PMID: 19962839 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.10.006
    OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate the Osteoporosis Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (OPSQ) and to assess the opinion of postmenopausal osteoporotic women towards pharmaceutical care.
    METHODS: A 16-item instrument was designed. Each response consists of a five-point Likert-like scale with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction. The face and content validity was established via consultation with an endocrinologist and three pharmacists as well as feedback from participants in a preliminary study. Postmenopausal osteoporotic women taking bisphosphonates were recruited and randomly allocated to the intervention (n=90) and control groups (n=90). Pharmaceutical care was provided at month 2 to the intervention group while the control group received standard pharmacy services. The OPSQ was administered at month 6 (end of the intervention period), to assess patients' satisfaction. Factor analysis was performed using varimax rotation. Internal reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was performed by using the Mann-Whitney U test.
    RESULTS: The internal reliability of the OPSQ produced a Cronbach's alpha of 0.86. Factor analysis identified one component in the OPSQ, which measured patient satisfaction. The intervention group showed significantly better overall OPSQ score than the control group (91.89+/-7.22% versus 84.32+/-7.48%, p<0.001). This indicates that the OPSQ was able to differentiate between participants who received pharmaceutical care from those who did not.
    CONCLUSIONS: The 16-item OPSQ developed in this study has high internal reliability and is a valid instrument for assessing osteoporotic women's satisfaction with pharmaceutical care service in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  3. Fulltext The syndemic of HIV, HIV-related risk and multiple co-morbidities among women who use drugs in Malaysia: Important targets for intervention
    Loeliger KB, Marcus R, Wickersham JA, Pillai V, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL
    Addict Behav, 2016 Feb;53:31-9.
    PMID: 26436520 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.09.013
    Substance use and HIV are syndemic public health problems in Malaysia. Harm reduction efforts to reduce HIV transmission have primarily focused on men with substance use disorders.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  4. Fulltext Validity and Reliability of Health Belief Model Questionnaire for Promoting Breast Self-examination and Screening Mammogram for Early Cancer Detection
    Che Mohamed N, Moey SF, Lim BC
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2019 09 01;20(9):2865-2873.
    PMID: 31554389 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.9.2865
    Background: Early detection of breast cancer is essential in improving overall women’s health. The researchers
    sought to develop a comprehensive measure that combined the basic components of the health belief model (HBM)
    with a focus on breast self-examination (BSE) and screening mammogram amongst women. Methods: Questionnaire
    items were developed following a review of relevant literature of HBM on BSE and screening mammogram. The
    sampling frame for the study was Malaysian women aged 35 to 70 years old, living in Kuantan, Pahang and able to
    read or write in Bahasa Malaysia or English. As such, 103 women were randomly selected to participate in the study.
    Tests of validity using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability were subsequently performed to determine the
    psychometric properties of the questionnaire. Results: The EFA revealed nine factors (self-efficacy of mammogram,
    perceived barriers of BSE and mammogram, perceived susceptibility of breast cancer, perceived severity of breast
    cancer, cues to action for mammogram screening, perceived benefits of BSE, health motivation, perceived benefits
    of mammogram and self-efficacy of BSE) containing 54 items that jointly accounted for 74.2% of the observed
    variance. All nine factors have good internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha ≥ 0.8. Fifty-four items remained in
    the final questionnaire after deleting 13 problematic items. The scale also showed good convergent and discriminant
    validity. Conclusion: The findings showed that the designed questionnaire was a valid and reliable instrument for the
    study involving women in Kuantan, Pahang. The instrument can help to assess women’s beliefs on BSE adoption and
    mammogram screening in health care practice and research.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  5. Prevalence, risk factors, and complications of violence against pregnant women in a hospital in Peninsular Malaysia
    Khaironisak H, Zaridah S, Hasanain FG, Zaleha MI
    Women Health, 2017 09;57(8):919-941.
    PMID: 27636717 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2016.1222329
    Violence against women is a worldwide public health problem and becomes more crucial when it involves pregnant women. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of violence against pregnant women (VAPW), while the secondary aim was to identify the factors associated with violence and complications of violence during pregnancy. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 1,200 postnatal women from March 1, 2015 through August 31, 2015 using a validated Malay Version of the WHO Women's Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire. Data on pregnancy complications were obtained from antenatal records and discharge summaries. The prevalence of any form of VAPW was 35.9%, consisting of: any psychological (29.8%); any physical (12.9%); and any sexual (9.8%) violence. VAPW was significantly associated with: (1) women's use of drugs, having had exposure to violence during childhood, having a violence-supporting attitude, having two or more children; and (2) having partners who were smokers, alcohol drinkers, or had controlling behavior. VAPW was significantly associated with anemia, urinary tract infection, premature rupture of membranes, antepartum hemorrhage, poor weight gain during pregnancy, low birth weight, and prematurity. In conclusion, the high prevalence of violence requires further research on preventive strategies for VAPW.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  6. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause in five Asian countries: results from the Pan-Asian REVIVE survey
    Chua Y, Limpaphayom KK, Cheng B, Ho CM, Sumapradja K, Altomare C, et al.
    Climacteric, 2017 Aug;20(4):367-373.
    PMID: 28453308 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2017.1315091
    OBJECTIVES: The Pan-Asian REVIVE survey aimed to examine women's experiences with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and their interactions with health-care professionals (HCPs).

    METHODS: Self-completed surveys were administered face-to-face to 5992 women (aged 45-75 years) in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.

    RESULTS: Of 638 postmenopausal women with GSM symptoms, only 35% were aware of the GSM condition, most of whom first heard of GSM through their physician (32%). The most common symptoms were vaginal dryness (57%) and irritation (43%). GSM had the greatest impact on sexual enjoyment (65%) and intimacy (61%). Only 25% had discussed their GSM symptoms with a HCP, and such discussions were mostly patient-initiated (64%) rather than HCP-initiated (24%). Only 21% had been clinically diagnosed with GSM and only 24% had ever used treatment for their symptoms. Three-quarters of those who had used treatment for GSM had discussed their symptoms with a HCP compared to only 9% of those who were treatment-naïve.

    CONCLUSION: GSM is underdiagnosed and undertreated in Asia. As discussion of GSM with HCPs appears to be a factor influencing women's awareness and treatment status, a more active role by HCPs to facilitate early discussions on GSM and its treatment options is needed.

    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  7. Female autonomy and reported abortion-seeking in Ghana, West Africa
    Rominski SD, Gupta M, Aborigo R, Adongo P, Engman C, Hodgson A, et al.
    Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2014 Sep;126(3):217-22.
    PMID: 24920181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.03.031
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors associated with self-reported pregnancy termination in Ghana and thereby appreciate the correlates of abortion-seeking in order to understand safe abortion care provision.
    METHODS: In a retrospective study, data from the Ghana 2008 Demographic and Health Survey were used to investigate factors associated with self-reported pregnancy termination. Variables on an individual and household level were examined by both bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression. A five-point autonomy scale was created to explore the role of female autonomy in reported abortion-seeking behavior.
    RESULTS: Among 4916 women included in the survey, 791 (16.1%) reported having an abortion. Factors associated with abortion-seeking included being older, having attended school, and living in an urban versus a rural area. When entered into a logistic regression model with demographic control variables, every step up the autonomy scale (i.e. increasing autonomy) was associated with a 14.0% increased likelihood of reporting the termination of a pregnancy (P < 0.05).
    CONCLUSION: Although health system barriers might play a role in preventing women from seeking safe abortion services, autonomy on an individual level is also important and needs to be addressed if women are to be empowered to seek safe abortion services.
    KEYWORDS: Abortion; Autonomy; Empowerment; Low-resource countries; Maternal health; Reproductive health
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  8. Self-care actions taken for vasomotor symptoms by some postmenopausal Kelantanese women
    Dhillon HK, Singh HJ, Mahmood NM, Ghaffar NA
    Climacteric, 2008;11(6):518-24.
    PMID: 18991079 DOI: 10.1080/13697130802491031
    OBJECTIVE:
    Documentation of self-care actions for vasomotor complaints by some postmenopausal women in Kelantan.

    METHODS:
    A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 326 naturally menopausal women to determine the prevalence and types of self-care actions taken for vasomotor complaints.

    RESULTS:
    Fractionally more women took self-care actions for night sweats than hot flushes. The choice of self-care action depended upon the area of residence and the educational level. The most common action taken for night sweats was to sleep either in an air-conditioned room or under a ceiling fan. About one-quarter of the complainants used hormone replacement therapy, the majority of who were urban-living and with secondary education. Only a small fraction used traditional remedies.

    CONCLUSION:
    A large proportion of women complaining of vasomotor complaints took self-care actions and the choice of self-care actions depended on the area of residence and educational level. The use of modern remedies and less of the traditional remedies was more common amongst the more affluent and educated women than women in rural areas who either did nothing or resorted to the more simple type of self-care actions. Contrary to our expectations, the use of traditional remedies was low.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  9. Cultural health beliefs in a rural family practice: a Malaysian perspective
    Ariff KM, Khoo SB
    Aust J Rural Health, 2006 Feb;14(1):2-8.
    PMID: 16426425 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1584.2006.00747.x
    Background: Understanding the sociocultural dimension of a patient’s health beliefs is critical to a successful clinical encounter. Malaysia with its multi-ethnic population of Malay, Chinese and Indian still uses many forms of traditional health care in spite of a remarkably modern rural health service.
    Objective: The objective of this paper is discuss traditional health care in the context of some of the cultural aspects of health beliefs, perceptions and practices in the different ethnic groups of the author’s rural family practices. This helps to promote communication and cooperation between doctors and patients, improves clinical diagnosis and Management, avoids cultural blind spots and unnecessary medical testing and leads to better adherence to treatment by patients.
    Discussion: Includes traditional practices of ‘hot and cold’, notions of Yin-Yang and Ayurveda, cultural healing, alternative medicine, cultural perception of body structures and cultural practices in the context of women’s health. Modern and traditional medical systems are potentially complementary rather than antagonistic. Ethnic and cultural considerations can be integrated further into the modern health delivery system to improve care and health outcomes.
    KEY WORDS: alternative medicine, child health, cultural healing, traditional medicine, women’s health
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  10. Treatment of atrophic vaginitis with topical conjugated equine estrogens in postmenopausal Asian women
    Raymundo N, Yu-cheng B, Zi-yan H, Lai CH, Leung K, Subramaniam R, et al.
    Climacteric, 2004 Sep;7(3):312-8.
    PMID: 15669556
    We investigated the effects of 2 months of treatment with topical estrogens on atrophic vaginitis and gynecological health in Asian women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  11. Fulltext Smokeless tobacco use among rural Kadazan women in Sabah, Malaysia
    Gan CY
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1995 Jun;26(2):291-6.
    PMID: 8629063
    A survey was conducted to document and bring attention to the use of smokeless tobacco among rural Kadazan women in Sabah, East Malaysia. Of the 472 women interviewed, 59.5% had used tobacco among the ingredients that they habitually chewed. Women with low education were more likely to be chewers. The chewing habit was usually acquired during the teenage years and the practice was perceived mainly as a cultural norm. 73.3% of these smokeless tobacco users were unaware of any adverse health effect of this type of tobacco use as compared to 53.9% of the non-tobacco users. The high prevalence of smokeless tobacco use is easily maintained as tobacco is cheap, locally produced and its use is socially accepted. The low level educational status of the women compounds the problem and intervention programs to curb this form of tobacco use is warranted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  12. Fulltext Comparison of efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological treatment for the overactive bladder in women: A network meta-analysis
    Nalliah S, Wg P, Masten Singh PK, Naidu P, Lim V, Ahamed AA
    Aust Fam Physician, 2017 Mar;46(3):139-144.
    PMID: 28260277
    BACKGROUND: Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a common medical condition that causes significant distress and impact on the quality of life in women. Muscarinic receptor antagonists remain the mainstay of therapy, but they are limited by their efficacy and adverse effects. The objective of the article was to compare the clinical efficacy and tolerability of medications used to treat OAB in women through network meta-analysis.

    METHODS: Data from eligible studies of commonly prescribed pharmacological agents in the treatment of OAB in women were entered into Net-MetaXL after a literature search using two online databases (PubMed and Cochrane). Studies between 31 July 2000 and 31 July 2015 were included in this study.

    RESULTS: Five quantitative studies were eligible for analysis. The most efficacious drug to treat OAB in women appears to be solifenacin 10 mg once daily (OD), followed by oxybutynin 3 mg three times a day. However, solifenacin 10 mg OD caused more adverse effects that the other treatments.

    DISCUSSION: Our results are similar to those of another systematic review. When considering efficacy, tolerability and cost, solifenacin 5 mg once daily is the drug of choice as it is more efficacious, albeit with more adverse effects, than other treatments. If solifenacin is unsuitable, oxybutynin 3 mg TDS is recommended.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  13. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Symptom Burden in Women Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in Malaysia
    Chui PL, Abdullah KL, Wong LP, Taib NA
    Cancer Nurs, 2017 7 21;41(3):189-199.
    PMID: 28723722 DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000527
    BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is commonly used for cancer- and chemotherapy-related symptoms. Nurses are likely to encounter many CAM users in their practice.

    OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to assess CAM use and examine the symptom burden of CAM and non-CAM users among patients with breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.

    METHODS: A CAM use questionnaire and the Side-Effect Burden Scale were administered to 546 patients. Complementary and alternative medicine use was categorized as mind-body practices (MBPs), natural products (NPs), or traditional medicine (TM).

    RESULTS: We identified 386 CAM users (70.7%) in this study. The CAM users reported a higher marginal mean total symptom burden score (40.39 ± 2.6) than non-CAM users (36.93 ± 3.21), although this difference was not statistically significant (P = .09). Triple-modality (MBP-NP-TM) CAM users had a significantly higher marginal mean total symptom burden score (47.44 ± 4.12) than single-modality (MBP) users (34.09 ± 4.43). The risk of having a high total symptom burden score was 12.9-fold higher among the MBP-NP-TM users than among the MBP users.

    CONCLUSIONS: Complementary and alternative medicine use is common among Malaysian patients who are undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. However, CAM and non-CAM users reported similar symptom burdens, although single-modality use of MBP is likely associated with a lower symptom burden.

    IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses should keep abreast of current developments and trends in CAM use. Understanding CAM use and the related symptom burden will allow nurses to initiate open discussion and guide their patients in seeking additional information or referrals for a particular therapy.

    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  14. Fulltext The Third National Health and Morbidity Survey 2006 (NHMS III)
    ISBN: 978-983-3887-27-9
    Citation: National Health Morbidity Survey 2006. Kuala Lumpur: Ministry of Health, Malaysia, 2008
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  15. Fulltext Anthropometric and reproductive factors among newly- diagnosed breast cancer patients and healthy women: a case-control study
    Zunura'in Z, Almardhiyah AR, Gan SH, Arifin WN, Sirajudeen K, Bhavaraju V, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2016;17(9):4439-4444.
    PMID: 27797258
    The objective of this case-control study was to determine anthropometric and reproductive factors associated with the development of breast cancer among women. Fifty-six newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were recruited from the Oncology Clinic, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and 56 healthy female hospital employees were recruited as controls. Socio-demographic and reproductive data were obtained using a standard questionnaire. Anthropometric factors (body weight, height, body fat percentage, visceral fat and waist and hip circumference) were assessed. A high waist circumference (adjusted OR= 1.04, [95% CI: 1.00, 1.09]) and being more than 30 years of age at rst full-term pregnancy (adjusted OR=3.77, [95% CI: 1.10, 12.90]) were predictors of breast cancer development. The results of this study indicate that weight and reproductive health management should be emphasized for breast cancer prevention in Malaysia.

    Study site: Oncology clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  16. Fulltext Preferences for intervention among Peruvian women in intimate partner violence relationships
    Cripe SM, Espinoza D, Rondon MB, Jimenez ML, Sanchez E, Ojeda N, et al.
    Hisp Health Care Int, 2015;13(1):27-37.
    PMID: 25741931 DOI: 10.1891/1540-4153.13.1.27
    We sought to identify what abused Peruvian women want or need as intervention strategies. We conducted five focus groups with 30 women with prior or current experience with intimate partner violence. Participants noted that abused women need compassionate support, professional counseling, and informational and practical (e.g., work skills training, employment, shelter, financial support) interventions. We propose a 2-tiered intervention strategy that includes community support groups and individual professional counseling. This strategy is intended to offer broad coverage, meeting the needs of large groups of women who experience abuse, whereas providing specialized counseling for those requiring intensive support. Respect for each woman's autonomy in the decision-making process is a priority. Interventions targeted toward women and men should address structural factors that contribute to violence against women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  17. Fulltext Knowledge and awareness about STDs among women in Bangladesh
    Hossain M, Mani KK, Mohd Sidik S, Shahar HK, Islam R
    BMC Public Health, 2014;14:775.
    PMID: 25081860 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-775
    BACKGROUND:
    Knowledge and awareness concerning sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has become the burning issue of the day. Although STDs pose serious risks to health security, there is very little literature quantifying the knowledge and awareness of these diseases and their principal socioeconomic determinants. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of different socio-economic and demographic factors on knowledge and awareness about STDs among women in Bangladesh.

    METHODS:
    This is a cross-sectional study using data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2011. It involves 10,996 women in six divisions of Bangladesh - Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Barisal, Khulna and Sylhet. In this study, the percentage distribution and logistic regression model are used to identify which factors are associated with knowledge and awareness among women in Bangladesh about STDs.

    RESULTS:
    There is a significant association between geographic division (Dhaka: OR = 1.669, 95% CI = 0.89-2.10, Khulna: OR = 2.234, 95% CI = 1.2-3.2); places of residence (Rural: OR = 0.363, 95% CI = 0.20-1.08), respondent's age (20-29 years: OR = 1.331; 95% CI = 0.98-2.31); education (Primary: OR = 2.366, 95% CI = 1.98-3.1, secondary: OR = 10.089, 95% CI = 8.98-12.77, higher: OR = 20.241, 95% CI = 18.33-22.65); listening to radio (OR = 1.189, 95% CI = 1.29-3.12) and watching TV (OR = 2.498, 95% CI = 2.22-4.09) with knowledge and awareness among women in Bangladesh about STDs.

    CONCLUSION:
    There is a need to improve the education in Bangladesh about STDs particularly among those in the rural areas and older ages of women (30-49 years). Formal, informal and special educational knowledge and awareness programmes may be implemented to educate people concerning STDs in Rajshahi, Sylhet and Chittangong division. Campaigns and mass media can be used to increase the knowledge and awareness among the community, especially among women. Policies concerning the issue of STDs need to be improved and can be emphasized in collaboration with government agencies to ensure the success of these campaigns.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health Services
  18. Fulltext The effect of wearing sanitary napkins of different thicknesses on physiological and psychological responses in Muslim females
    Mohamed NG, Abidin NZ, Law KS, Abe M, Suzuki M, Muhamed AM, et al.
    J Physiol Anthropol, 2014;33:28.
    PMID: 25189184 DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-33-28
    Menstruation is associated with significant unpleasantness, and wearing a sanitary napkin (SN) during menses causes discomfort. In addition, many Muslim women use a thick type of SN during menses due to the religious requirement that even disposable SNs be washed before disposal. Therefore, the objective of this study was to measure the physiological and psychological responses to wearing SNs of different thicknesses during menstruation and non-menstruation phases at rest and during physical activity/exercise among Muslim women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  19. Fulltext Effect of having a subsequent child on the mental health of women who lost a child in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake: a cross-sectional study
    Xu Y, Herrman H, Bentley R, Tsutsumi A, Fisher J
    Bull World Health Organ, 2014 May 1;92(5):348-55.
    PMID: 24839324 DOI: 10.2471/BLT.13.124677
    To assess whether having a subsequent child had an effect on the mental health of Chinese mothers who lost a child during an earthquake.
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
  20. Fulltext The decision-making journey of Malaysian women with early breast cancer: a qualitative study
    Abdullah A, Abdullah KL, Yip CH, Teo SH, Taib NA, Ng CJ
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(12):7143-7.
    PMID: 24460266
    BACKGROUND: The survival outcomes for women presenting with early breast cancer are influenced by treatment decisions. In Malaysia, survival outcome is generally poor due to late presentation. Of those who present early, many refuse treatment for complementary therapy.
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the decision making experiences of women with early breast cancer.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative study using individual in-depth interviews was conducted to capture the decision making process of women with early breast cancer in Malaysia. We used purposive sampling to recruit women yet to undergo surgical treatment. A total of eight participants consented and were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. These women were recruited from a period of one week after they were informed of their diagnoses. A topic guide, based on the Ottawa decision support framework (ODSF), was used to facilitate the interviews, which were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using a thematic approach.
    RESULTS: We identified four phases in the decision-making process of women with early breast cancer: discovery (pre-diagnosis); confirmatory ('receiving bad news'); deliberation; and decision (making a decision). These phases ranged from when women first discovered abnormalities in their breasts to them making final surgical treatment decisions. Information was vital in guiding these women. Support from family members, friends, healthcare professionals as well as survivors also has an influencing role. However, the final say on treatment decision was from themselves.
    CONCLUSIONS: The treatment decision for women with early breast cancer in Malaysia is a result of information they gather on their decision making journey. This journey starts with diagnosis. The women's spouses, friends, family members and healthcare professionals play different roles as information providers and supporters at different stages of treatment decisions. However, the final treatment decision is influenced mainly by women's own experiences, knowledge and understanding.
    Study site: Breast surgical units, Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Women's Health
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