Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 457 in total

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  1. Teoh CS, Aizul MHI, Wan Fatimah Suriyani WM, Ang SH, Nurul Huda MZ, Nor Azlini MI, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Apr;68(2):157-60.
    PMID: 23629564 MyJurnal
    The potential harms of herbs to the pregnant mothers and their foetuses as well as the effect of herbs taken by nursing mothers on their babies remain largely unknown. Common perception is that herbal medicines ingestion during pregnancy and confinement period is a common practice among multi-racial Malaysian mothers. The purpose of this study was to explore the usage of herbal medicines during pregnancy and post-partum period among mothers who gave birth at a tertiary hospital in a metropolitan city of Malaysia. This cross sectional study was conducted between October and December 2010. The subjects were interviewed twice after giving birth: before hospital discharge and 6 to 8 weeks later. A total of 323 mothers were recruited for this study. The prevalence of herbs ingestion during pregnancy was 13.9%, with half of the users consuming it during the first trimester. A total of 163 (52.9%) mothers ingested herbs during the post-partum period. Significantly more Chinese (p=0.01) and Malay (p=0.04) mothers ingested herbs during pregnancy and post-partum period, respectively. Infants of mothers who ingested herbs had a higher rate of neonatal jaundice compared to infants of mothers who did not ingest herbs during the post-partum period (P=0.001).
    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
  2. Boo NY, Gan CY, Gian YW, Lim KS, Lim MW, Krishna-Kumar H
    Med J Malaysia, 2011 Aug;66(3):239-43.
    PMID: 22111448
    This study aimed to determine the gaps of knowledge and practices of care of neonatal jaundice among Malaysian mothers. It was a cross sectional study of 400 mothers who attended the obstetric clinics or were admitted to the obstetric wards of a general hospital. They were surveyed with a structured set of questionnaire. The results showed that a majority (93.8%) of them knew about neonatal jaundice, and 71.7% knew that jaundice lasting more than 2 weeks was abnormal. However, only 34.3% of them were aware that jaundice appearing during the first 36 hours of life was abnormal. Less than 20% knew about glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and that fetal-maternal blood group differences could cause jaundice. Although 71.7% and 69.7%, respectively, of the mothers knew that severe jaundice could cause death and brain damage, only 38.4% of them were aware that severe jaundice could result in hearing impairment. A very low proportion (27.1%) of them was aware that putting jaundiced infants under the direct sun could result in dehydration and worsening of jaundice. Out of a maximum score of 15, the mean maternal knowledge score was 7.4 (95% confidence intervals: 7.1, 7.7). Majority (83.1%) of the multiparous mothers with a past history of having children developing neonatal jaundice (n = 154) practiced placing their infants under the direct sun. This study revealed that there was a wide knowledge gap among Malaysian mothers on care of neonatal jaundice. Placing infants under the direct sun was still a common practice.
    Study site: Obstetric clinic, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers/education; Mothers/psychology*
  3. Azidah AK, Shaiful BI, Rusli N, Jamil MY
    Med J Malaysia, 2006 Mar;61(1):76-83.
    PMID: 16708738 MyJurnal
    This is a cross sectional study to determine the relationship of postnatal depression (PND) and socio-cultural practices post-delivery among women in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Four hundred and twenty one pregnant women were screened for depression between 36 - 42 weeks of pregnancy, 1 week and 4 - 6 weeks postpartum using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The women also completed questionnaires on socio-demography, psychosocial support and traditional postnatal care. The prevalence of PND at 4-6 weeks postpartum was 20.7%. Depressive symptoms at the end of pregnancy (p<0.05) and one week postpartum (p<0.05), worry about the baby (p<0.05), use of traditional medication (p<0.05) and traditional massage (p<0.05) were significantly associated with PND.
    Study site: Maternal and Child Health Clinics (Klinik Kesihatan), Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers/psychology*
  4. Nor Zaidah AH, Khairani O, Normah CD
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 Aug;59(3):384-90.
    PMID: 15727385 MyJurnal
    Chronic disability in children imposes great strains on a family. The responsibility of mothering disabled children may be detrimental to the well-being of mothers. This study aims to assess the different types of coping styles of mothers with disabled children and its influencing factors. It is a cross-sectional study using Coping Inventory Stressful Situation (CISS) scale to determine the mothers' coping styles. A sample of 81 mothers with disabled children attending two rural Community Rehabilitation Centres, were included in the study. Overall, the mothers were using a mixture of coping strategies. However, they scored more in the task-oriented (mean T score = 52.88) and emotion-oriented (mean T score = 50.52) coping styles, while the other subscales of coping styles, namely avoidance, distraction and social diversion were below average (mean T score < 50). Divorced mothers (p=0.04) and those with low educational level (p=0.00) were more inclined to use emotion-oriented coping strategies while mothers with younger children (< 5 years old) used more avoidance coping strategies (p=0.01). There were no significant difference of coping styles in association with the mothers' age, ethnicity, duration of marriage, number of siblings, child's birth order or gender. By understanding the mothers' coping styles, health care workers would be able to educate the mothers with effective coping strategies and consequently reduce their psychological distress.
    Matched MeSH terms: Mother-Child Relations; Mothers*
  5. Voon HY, Wong AT, Ting ML, Suharjono H
    Med J Malaysia, 2015 Aug;70(4):224-7.
    PMID: 26358018 MyJurnal
    BACKGROUND: The Cervical Ripening Balloon (CRB) is a novel mechanical method for induction of labour (IOL), reducing the risks of hyperstimulation associated with pharmacological methods. However, there remains a paucity of literature on its application in high risk mothers, who have an elevated risk of uterine rupture, namely those with previous scars and grandmultiparity.

    METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study on IOL using the CRB in women with previous caesarean section or grandmultiparity between January 2014 and March 2015. All cases were identified from the Sarawak General Hospital CRB request registry. Individual admission notes were traced and data extracted using a standardised proforma.

    RESULTS: The overall success rate of vaginal delivery after IOL was 50%, although this increases to about two-thirds when sub analysis was performed in women with previous tested scars and the unscarred, grandmultiparous woman. There was a significant change in Bishop score prior to insertion and after removal of the CRB. The Bishop score increased by a score of 3.2 (95% CI 2.8-3.6), which was statistically significant (p<0.01) and occurred across both subgroups, not limited to the grandmultipara. There were no cases of hyperstimulation but one case of intrapartum fever and scar dehiscence each (1.4%). Notably, there were two cases of change in lie/presentation after CRB insertion.

    CONCLUSION: CRB adds to the obstetricians' armamentarium and appears to provide a reasonable alternative for the IOL in women at high risk of uterine rupture. Rates of hyperstimulation, maternal infection and scar dehiscence are low and hence appeals to the user.

    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
  6. Ng SY, Chong SY
    Med J Malaysia, 2014 Dec;69(6):252-6.
    PMID: 25934954 MyJurnal
    Study site: Hospital Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
  7. Siah CK, Yadav H
    Med J Malaysia, 2002 Jun;57(2):188-94.
    PMID: 24326649
    A cross sectional descriptive study on breast feeding practices in an urban clinic was conducted among 136 mothers aged between 21-49 years who were interviewed using a questionnaire. Malays constituted 61% of the respondents, Chinese 22.8% and Indians 16.2%. Mojority of these were working mothers and although the initiation of breastfeeding was high (99.3%), exclusive breastfeeding was only 12.5%. A large proportion (33.8%) dtopped prior to 3 months. Majority of the Chinese mothers (61.3%) stipped before 3 months as compared to the Indian (40.9%) and Malay (21.7%) mothers (p<0.001). Mean age of introducing complementary foods at 3 months is below the accepted age of 4 to 6 months for weaning. Ever-breast feeding rate is high in this urban setting but more efforts are needed to effect a higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding and longer duration of breastfeeding.
    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers*
  8. Suleiman A
    Med J Malaysia, 2001 Sep;56(3):319-23.
    PMID: 11732077
    A baby milk market was created in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and was conceived through the mutual attraction of the manufacturers and doctors. This has partly attributed to the change from breast to artificial feeding. This study was conducted to determine whether marketing had any effect on infant feeding practices. Fifty Malay mothers whose last child was aged less than five years were asked, by questionnaire and by interview, to identify whether several marketing methods influenced their decision on the selection of infant feeding practice. It was found that these mothers felt milk advertisements on television were attractive (72%), were influenced by others to buy a particular brand of formula (38.4%), were influenced by free milk samples to buy a particular brand of milk formula (65.2%) and were not influenced by their doctors on the chosen method of feeding (68%). More studies should be conducted on a bigger sample in other settings and targeting other methods of marketing to substantiate the above results. Further, similar studies among Chinese and Indian mothers are also required.
    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
  9. Teh SC, Chong SI, Tan HH, Ho J
    Med J Malaysia, 2000 Sep;55(3):347-51.
    PMID: 11200715
    Thirty Chinese primiparous mothers were asked during the antenatal period their breastfeeding intention and then interviewed at delivery and 6 weeks post delivery. One mother had no intention to breastfeed. Ten mothers intended exclusive breastfeeding for one month and 19 for 6 weeks or more. At 6 weeks post delivery only 4 mothers were still breastfeeding. A total of 22 (73%) did not achieve their initial intention. For any future pregnancy, 5 chose exclusive breastfeeding, 22 complementary and 3 formula feeding. Chinese primiparous mothers have high breastfeeding intentions but the majority do not achieve them and their experience has discouraged them from exclusive breastfeeding in future pregnancies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers*
  10. Chia SF
    Med J Malaysia, 1992 Jun;47(2):134-8.
    PMID: 1494334
    This is a study of infant feeding practices of 126 mothers. Seventy-seven mothers or 61.1% practised breast feeding. The typical breast feeding mother was more likely to be a Malay, with lower family income and residing in the rural area. The educational status of the mother was not an important factor in influencing her to breast feed. Health education on breast feeding should be intensified in schools to reinforce the implementation of the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Infant Formula Products.
    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
  11. Sulaiman S, Leelavathi M, Norasyikin AW
    Med J Malaysia, 2020 11;75(6):655-659.
    PMID: 33219173
    INTRODUCTION: The rapid increase in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among the younger age groups is a growing concern worldwide. Thus, assessing the perception of risk and knowledge among those at risk may provide an opportunity for early intervention, delay or even prevent the onset.
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the perceived risk of developing T2DM and its knowledge among the offspring of diabetic patients.
    METHODS: A cross sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among university students whose parents had type 2 diabetes to determine their perceived risk and knowledge on T2DM.
    RESULTS: A total of 336 university students participated in this study and 56.5% of them correctly identified themselves at risk of developing T2DM. About half of them (52.7%) had higher knowledge of T2DM. Male students appeared to have better risk perception (p=0.024) compared to females while those with mothers affected by T2DM appear to have higher knowledge regarding diabetes (p=0.007). Most of their information regarding T2DM was obtained from the internet (87.5%) and other family members (77.9%).
    CONCLUSION: The students whose mothers had T2DM appear to have better knowledge and information regarding T2DM and this was mostly obtained from the internet and family members. Awareness regarding diabetes and healthy lifestyles advice through primary patients may be beneficial for their offspring.
    Study site: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
  12. Chan WK, Yeoh KY, Lim CY, Lai SM, Lee JL, Leow AHR, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2018 06;73(3):137-140.
    PMID: 29962496 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: There have been no published data on the transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among children of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive mothers in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of all the children of HBsAg-positive mothers who delivered at the University of Malaya Medical Centre between 1993 and 2000.

    RESULTS: A total of 60 HBsAg-positive mothers and their 154 children participated in the study. HBsAg was detected in four children (2.6%) while IgG antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc IgG) was detected in seventeen children (11.0%). The mother's age at childbirth was significantly lower in the children with detectable HBsAg (22.5±6.1 years vs. 29.7±4.5 years, p=0.043) and anti-HBc IgG (26.6±6.1 years vs. 30.0±4.3 years, p=0.004). Children born in the 1980s were significantly more likely to have detectable HBsAg (18.8% vs. 0.7%, p=0.004) and anti-HBc IgG (37.5% vs. 8.0%, p=0.000) compared with those born later. All children with detectable HBsAg were born via spontaneous vaginal delivery, and hepatitis B immunoglobulin was either not given or the administration status was unknown. The majority of mothers with chronic HBV infection (70.4%) were not under any regular follow-up for their chronic HBV infection and the main reason was the lack of awareness of the need to do so (47.4%).

    CONCLUSION: Transmission of HBV infection among children of HBsAg-positive mothers in Malaysia is low. However, attention needs to be given to the high rate of HBsAgpositive mothers who are not on any regular follow-up.

    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers/statistics & numerical data
  13. Lye MS, Tohit NF, Rampal L
    Med J Malaysia, 2017 02;72(1):12-17.
    PMID: 28255134 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: Pediculosis capitis infestation is endemic in both developing and developed countries leading to various physical, economical and psychological consequences. Our main objective was to determine the prevalence and predictors of pediculosis capitis among primary school children in Hulu Langat District, Malaysia.

    METHODS: An analytic cross-sectional study using cluster random sampling method was carried out in Hulu Langat District, Malaysia. Self-administered pretested questionnaires were used to collect the data. Hair and scalp examination was also carried out. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for potential confounding and determine the predictors.

    RESULTS: The overall mean age of the 1,336 respondents was 9.3 years. Majority were males (52.8%), Malays (79.5%) and 81.3% of the fathers had secondary or tertiary education as compared to 77.3% for the mothers. The overall prevalence of pediculosis capitis was 15.3%. The prevalence of pediculosis was significantly higher among females (28.4%) than males (3.7%, p=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age 10 years or more (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.34, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.673 to 3.272), female gender (OR = 10.26, 95% CI = 6.620 to 15.903), history of contact with an infested person (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.506 to 2.960), Indian compared to Chinese (OR = 3.55, 95% CI = 1.282 to 9.860), Malay to Chinese (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = .994 to 6.774) were associated with pediculosis capitis.

    CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of pediculosis capitis among children aged 7 - 12 years in Hulu Langat District was high. There is a need for screening and treatment of pediculosis capitis in primary schools.

    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
  14. Sathyabama R
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Oct;74(5):372-376.
    PMID: 31649211
    OBJECTIVE: To explore socio-demographics and clinical characteristics of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Child Development Clinic (CDC), Penang Hospital.

    STUDY DESIGN: A record review study of 331 children with ASD attending CDC, Penang Hospital from September 2013 to April 2017.

    RESULTS: Out of 331 children with ASD, 82.5% were males, 17.5% females, with male to female ratio of 4.7:1. Mean age at consultation was 5 years and 6 months (SD 31.68 months) with age range from 19 months to 18 years and 4 months. 85.8% were term infants with normal birth weight. History of speech regression was noted in 14.8%, epilepsy and genetic disorders in 9.4% and 5.7% respectively. Sleep problems was reported in 29.3%, dietary issues 22.1%, challenging behaviour 24.2% and ADHD 14.2%. Mean age of the father and mother at birth was 33.6 and 31.6 years respectively.

    CONCLUSION: In this study, we report a higher male to female ratio and mean age at referral with some similar rates of neurodevelopmental and medical comorbidities and relatively younger parental age with higher parental education levels.
    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
  15. Norain A, Sutan R, Azmi MT, Rozita AR
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jan;78(1):25-31.
    PMID: 36715187
    INTRODUCTION: The under-five mortality (U5M) trend in Malaysia significantly declined from 30.0 per 1000 live births (1980) to 8.0 per 1000 live births (2004), and the trend plateaued over the next two decades. Stillbirths and neonatal deaths were the major contributors to U5M. Scarce literature addressing factors associated with preventable U5M in Malaysia. The objective of this study was to describe preventable stillbirths and neonatal mortality, the associated factors and recommendation for improvement.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The U5M surveillance data from 2015 to 2017 was retrieved for Malaysian cases of stillbirths and neonatal deaths with multiple pregnancies as exclusion. Stillbirth and neonatal death cases were analysed descriptively for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Logistic regressions were performed to identify the associated factors.

    RESULTS: There were 15,444 cases selected for analysis, of which 55% of stillbirths and 45% of neonatal deaths. There were 21% of preventable deaths (U5M) and the major contributing causes of preventable stillbirths and neonatal deaths were classified as perinatal death (82.5%), infectious and parasitic diseases (4.1%) and congenital malformations (3.5%). The birth weight (aOR 6.03, 95% CI: 4.14-8.79), hypertensive mother (aOR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.66-2.12) and instrumental delivery (aOR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.16-2.31) were significantly associated with preventable stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Higher household income (>RM3000 per month) was noted as a protective factor (aOR 0.79, 95% CI:0.69,0.89). Mothers with ethnicities other thanBumiputera, single mothers and housewives were identified as the group of mothers with higher odds of poor perinatal services. Among the 3242 cases of preventable stillbirths and neonatal deaths with a complete documented level of adequacy and quality of healthcare, the most frequently identified factors were due to insufficient antenatal care (ANC) (20.4%), non-compliance with medical advice (12.3%) and unsuitable place of delivery (8.6%).

    CONCLUSION: Increasing trend of preventable stillbirths and neonatal deaths was noted over 3 years (2015-2017), and one-fifth was related to insufficient ANC service-related factors. Remedial measures in improving the quality of ANC services with an emphasis on the targeted high-risk maternal socio-demographic group (other Bumiputera, older antenatal mothers, nonmarried, poor family income neglected family) and enhancing ANC competency skills among the healthcare provider through adequate training are required to decrease preventable stillbirths and neonatal deaths in Malaysia.

    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
  16. Sainuddin SS, Norhayati MN, Abdul Kadir A, Zakaria R
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Sep;78(5):675-686.
    PMID: 37775497
    INTRODUCTION: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental and emotional condition that can affect women during their first postnatal year and concern globally. This study aimed to determine the overall prevalence and determinants of postpartum depression (PPD) in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of observational studies conducted in ASEAN countries between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020 was performed in the Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The quality of studies was evaluated based on The Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist. The analysis was performed with Review Manager software version 5.4. Metaanalysis of the estimates from primary studies was conducted by adjusting for possible publication bias and heterogeneity.

    RESULTS: Twenty-five studies including 19924 postnatal mothers were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of PPD is 22.32% (95% CI: 18.48, 26.17). Thailand has the highest prevalence of PPD with a pooled prevalence of 74.1% (95% CI: 64.79, 83.41). The prevalence of PPD was highest when the assessment for PPD was conducted up to 6 weeks postpartum with a pooled prevalence of 25.24% (95% CI: 14.08, 36.41). The identified determinants of PPD were unplanned pregnancy, term pregnancy, lack of family support and physical violence. There were limited studies done and high heterogeneity in terms of quality, methodology, culture, screening method and time of PPD measurement.

    CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one in five postpartum women in ASEAN countries had PPD. The risk factor that lowers the risk of PPD is unplanned and term pregnancies, while women with a lack of family support and experienced physical violence increase the risk of PPD. Robust prevalence studies are needed to assess the magnitude of this problem in ASEAN countries.

    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
  17. Rahmayanti R, Oktafia R, Wahyuni F
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):530-533.
    PMID: 37518928
    INTRODUCTION: Exclusive breastfeeding is still below the set target. Breastfeeding behavior is influenced by knowledge and self-efficacy. Training packages based on family centered maternity care are needed to boost mothers' efficacy and knowledge about breastfeeding. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of an online education package based on Family Centered Maternity Care on the self efficacy and knowledge of breastfeeding mothers.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Study used a pre-experimental design method with a One-Group Pre-Post test design approach. We recruited 60 breastfeeding mothers in Padang, Indonesia, selected with consecutive sampling. Online Education Based On Family Centered Maternity Care was provided for the respondent. Data were collected using the Breastfeeding Self efficacy Scale ShortForm (BSE-SF) and The Breastfeeding Knowledge (BKQ) Questionnaires.

    RESULTS: The respondents had significant differences in selfefficacy and knowledge before and after the health education Based On Family Centered Maternity Care (p<0.001).

    CONCLUSION: After Education Package Based On Family Centered Maternity Care influenced the Self Efficacy And Knowledge of Breastfeeding Mothers. It could be provided as a nursing intervention to assist Breastfeeding Mothers.

    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
  18. Hastuti AP, Sukartini T, Arief YS, Nursalam N, Roesardhyati R, Kurniawan AW, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Jan;79(1):28-33.
    PMID: 38287754
    INTRODUCTION: The role of providing nutrition to children aged 6-24 months who are stunted is related to the mother's ability to provide proper nutrition. Empowerment of mothers based on self-regulated learning is a nursing intervention that can be carried out by using the abilities, belief and individual capacities of mothers in completing tasks, managing and providing nutrition to children aged 6-24 months. Mother's characteristic are motivation, self-esteem, self-efficacy, knowledge, belief and ability to decisionmaking about providing nutrition to children, so it can be a learning process for the mother in using resources which improve the nutrition ability of the mother. This study aims to apply a women's empowerment model based on selfregulated learning in increasing the mother's ability to fulfill nutrition in stunted children aged 6-24 months.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research design used a quasiexperiment. The sampling technique used cluster sampling with 76 respondents in intervention group and 76 respondents in control group. The research was conducted in the working area in Public Health Center, Malang Regency. Data analysis in this study used the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Mann-Whitney.

    RESULTS: The results of the study found that there were differences in the ability of mothers to fulfill nutrition in stunted children between the intervention group and the control group (p = 0.000). There were mean differences in the ability of mothers to fulfill nutrition for stunted children before and after the intervention in the intervention group with indicators of breastfeeding, food preparation and processing, complementary- feeding and responsive feeding were increased (p = 0.000). However, in the control group, there were no differences in the ability of mothers to fulfill nutrition with indicator breastfeeding (p = 0.462), food preparation and processing (p = 0.721), complementary feeding (p = 0.721), complementary feeding (p = 0.462). (p = 0.054), responsive feeding (p = 0.465) and adherence to stunting therapy (p = 0.722).

    CONCLUSION: The women's empowerment model based on self-regulated learning is formed by individual mother factors, family factors, health service system factors, and child factors so that it can increase the mother's ability to fulfill nutrition in children aged 6-24 months who are stunted. The women's empowerment is a learning process about breastfeeding, food hygiene, infant and young children feeding, and responsive feeding by mothers to fulfill nutrition in children with stunting, with a goal and plan to achieve an improvement in mother's ability and nutritional status in children.

    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers*
  19. Tan TL, Lau Q, Chiew SC, Thanusha, Mahmoud D, Manisha
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Jan;79(1):52-59.
    PMID: 38287758
    INTRODUCTION: Maternal medicine is important and complex. It focuses on the care of mothers with comorbidities or medical disorders during pregnancy. To date, there are limited tools to assess clinicians' knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in this field.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire measuring the KAP of clinicians towards maternal medicine. Literature reviews, item generation and multiple experts' reviews were conducted during the questionnaire development phase. Convenient sampling was undertaken for this cross-sectional survey. A total of 168 clinicians from one tertiary hospital and three health clinics participated in thepilot testing using the modified questionnaire. In addition, test-retest was performed on 30 participants to examine its reliability, whilst exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was undertaken to determine its construct validity.

    RESULTS: This finalised questionnaire contained 36 items with excellent content validity. Pertaining to test-retest reliability, all knowledge domain items showed Kappa values > 0.20, except item K29; attitude domain items overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.787 with corrected item-total correlation > 0.300 and lastly, all items in practice domain achieved intra-class correlation index > 0.700, except P2.5. EFA supported four factor structures, but six items were removed due to the following reasons: cross loading, negative or poor loading factor (< 0.3).

    CONCLUSION: Overall, this instrument has an acceptable psychometric property, content validity, internal reliability and construct validity. It is hope that this questionnaire would be validated in other populations and be used in future research to enrich our understanding of clinicians' KAP towards maternal medicine.

    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers*
  20. Wan Abdul Rahman WM, Saddki N, Mahmood Z, Hasan R, Samsudin NA
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Jan;79(1):1-8.
    PMID: 38287750
    INTRODUCTION: Women's important roles within families which include modelling appropriate oral health behaviours require them to have good knowledge and positive attitude in oral health. This study determined knowledge and attitude towards children's oral health among first-time mothers and factors associated with the attributes.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 154 first-time mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy who attended two health clinics in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia for antenatal care participated in this cross-sectional study. A structured selfadministered questionnaire was used to measure the variables of interest.

    RESULTS: Most mothers could correctly identify the aetiological factors of dental caries and strategies for preventing the disease in children. However, a substantial portion could not identify certain cariogenic and noncariogenic foods or drinks. Most pregnant women have appropriate attitudes towards children's oral health although some showed unfavourable attitude about care of primary teeth. Women who were older and had attended a talk on children's oral health were more likely to have higher mean knowledge score than their respective counterparts, and higher mean knowledge score was associated with higher mean attitude score.

    CONCLUSION: Most first-time mothers in this study had correct knowledge and favourable attitude about children's oral health, although misunderstandings and misperceptions in several issues were also common. Significant association found between experience of attending oral health talk and oral health knowledge, and between oral health knowledge and attitude, substantiate the importance of an educational intervention program to optimise the mothers' roles in caries prevention in children.

    Matched MeSH terms: Mothers
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