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Association of The IDH1 C.395G>A (R132H) Mutation with Histological Type in Malay Brain Tumors

Mohamed Yusoff AA, Zulfakhar FN, Sul’ain MD, Idris Z, Abdullah JM

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2016 12 01;17(12):5195-5201.
PMID: 28125199

Background: Brain tumors, constituting one of the most deadly forms of cancer worldwide, result from the accumulation of multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations in genes and signaling pathways. Isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme isoform 1 (IDH1) mutations are frequently identified in primary brain tumors and acute myeloid leukemia. Studies on IDH1 gene mutations have been extensively performed in various populations worldwide but not in Malaysia. This work was conducted to study the prevalence of IDH1 c.395G>A (R132H) hotspot mutations in a group of Malaysian patients with brain tumors in order to gain local data for the IDH1 mutation profile in our population. Methods: Mutation analysis of c.395G>A (R132H) of IDH1 was performed in 40 brain tumor specimens by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP) and then verified by direct sequencing. Associations between the IDH1 c.395G>A (R132H) mutation and clinicopathologic characteristics were also analyzed. Results: The IDH1 c.395G>A (R132H) mutation was detected in 14/40 patients (35%). A significant association was found with histological tumor types, but not with age, gender and race. Conclusions: IDH1 is frequently mutated and associated with histological subtypes in Malay brain tumors.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Prevalence of hypotension and its association with cognitive function among older adults

Momtaz YA, Hamid TA, Haron SA, Bagat MF, Mohammadi F

Aging Ment Health, 2018 04;22(4):447-452.
PMID: 28060530 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2016.1268093

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The negative effect of hypertension has overshadowed possible health problems associated with hypotension. The purposes of this study were to describe the prevalence of hypotension in older adults and to determine the association between hypotension and cognitive function, after adjusting for possible covariates.
METHODOLOGY: The data for the study consisting of 1067 community-dwelling older adults were obtained from a national survey entitled "Identifying Psychosocial and Identifying Economic Risk Factor of Cognitive Impairment among Elderly", conducted in Malaysia. The hypotension was considered as blood pressure <120/75 mm Hg, measuring by standard mercury manometer. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS Version 22.0.
RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 68.27 (SD = 5.93). Mean score of cognitive function as measured by MMSE was 22.70 (SD = 4.95). The prevalence of hypotension was 29.3%. The prevalence of cognitive impairment for hypotension group was 25.6%. Results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that hypotension is negatively associated with cognitive function (Beta = -0.11, p

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Excessive internet use in young women: What are the implications?

Jaafar NRN, Bahar N, Ibrahim N, Wan Ismail WS, Baharudin A

Curr Opin Psychiatry, 2017 Jul;30(4):260-267.
PMID: 28426547 DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000336

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There are considerable gender differences in youth engaging in excessive internet use (EIU). This review provides updates based on the recent literature focusing on the EIU in young women to describe its implications including what it constitutes of, its correlates, sequelae and preventive and/or treatment strategies.
RECENT FINDINGS: Definition of EIU and its conceptualization still requires refinement. Recent studies indicate a changing trend towards female predominance of EIU. Women also differ in their internet use compared with men regarding their preference in the internet content and online activities, motives of use and factors related to access to the internet, including the device, sociocultural restrictions, etc. The correlates and sequelae of EIU encompass psychological, physical, biological, family and social domains that could form the basis of identifying individuals at risk and strategizing treatment.
SUMMARY: The findings indicate the need for standardization in definition and measures of EIU for better recognition of EIU and identification of its at-higher-risk females. Effective preventive and treatment measures are still limited by various methodology flaws outlined here.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Sexual pain among Malaysian women receiving antidepressant: a comparison between escitalopram and fluoxetine

Sidi H, Asmidar D, Seng LH, Jaafar NR, Midi M, Guan NC

Psychopharmacol Bull, 2016 Mar 1;46(1):24-35.
PMID: 27738371

OBJECTIVES: The current study compares the risk of sexual pain in depressed female patients in remission between those who were treated with Escitalopram and Fluoxetine. The associated factors were also examined.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involved 112 depressed female patients (56 treated with Escitalopram and 56 treated with Fluoxetine) who were in remission (as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV) in the past 2 months and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score of ≤ 10) from the psychiatric clinic, University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). They were interviewed using Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). Hypoactive sexual desire was assessed using the Pain subscale of Malay Version of the Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI).
RESULTS: The results show that risk of sexual pain was relatively low (16.07% for all patients), with no statistical significant between the two groups (17.86% for fluoxetine group, 14.29% for escitalopram group). Older age (adjusted odds ratio = 1.524, 95% CI = 1.199, 1.938) was the only factor significantly associated with sexual pain disorder.
CONCLUSIONS: There should not be any barrier when continuing the use of escitalopram or fluoxetine as antidepressants amongst the female patients.
KEYWORDS: depression; escitalopram; female; fluoxetine; sexual pain

Study site: Psychiatric clinic, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM)

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Prevalence and perceived severity of post-traumatic stress disorder among flood victims in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Oo, San San, Rahmah Mohd Amin, Aniza Abd Aziz, Thwe Aung, Myat Moe, Rohayah Husain

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(2):30-40.
MyJurnal

Floods can lead to direct economic and property losses and result not only in physical injuries and deaths but
also in psychological trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a commonly used indicator to evaluate
psychological injuries after disaster. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PTSD prevalence
and related perceived severity of post flood impact by economical, non-economical and flood status severity
domains besides relevant socio-demographic factors according to gender specific analysis. This cross-sectional
study was conducted among community in Kampung Hulu Takir, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia in 2015 two
weeks after flood. It included a total of 98 males and 110 females aged 18 years and above. Data was
collected by interview-guided questionnaire to determine the prevalence of PTSD. SPSS version 21.0 was used
for analysis of the relationship between socio demographic factors, perceived economic, non-economic and
flood severity with PTSD. Finally chi square test was used to assess the predictors of PTSD according to
gender. The prevalence of PTSD was 9.2% in males and 10.9% in females, giving a total of 10.1%. Significantly
higher prevalence of PTSD was found in severely perceived economic and flood impact categories (33.3% and
23.8% in males; 23.8 % and 37.5% in females) and giving in overall 44.0% and 31.3 % respectively. Effective
PTSD management strategies targeting females post flood victims who severely perceived economically and
nature flood impact should be implemented in order to prevent further consequences of PTSD.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext The Clinical Effectiveness of School Screening Programme for Idiopathic Scoliosis in Malaysia

Deepak AS, Ong JY, Choon D, Lee CK, Chiu CK, Chan C, et al.

Malays Orthop J, 2017 Mar;11(1):41-46.
PMID: 28435573 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1703.018

INTRODUCTION: There is no large population size study on school screening for scoliosis in Malaysia. This study is aimed to determine the prevalence rate and positive predictive value (PPV) of screening programme for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 8966 voluntary school students aged 13-15 years old were recruited for scoliosis screening. Screening was done by measuring the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) on forward bending test (FBT) using a scoliometer. ATR of 5 degrees or more was considered positive. Positively screened students had standard radiographs done for measurement of the Cobb angle. Cobb angle of >10° was used to diagnose scoliosis. The percentage of radiological assessment referral, prevalence rate and PPV of scoliosis were then calculated.
RESULTS: Percentage of radiological assessment referral (ATR >5°) was 4.2% (182/4381) for male and 5.0% (228/4585) for female. Only 38.0% of those with ATR >5° presented for further radiological assessment. The adjusted prevalence rate was 2.55% for Cobb angle >10°, 0.59% for >20° and 0.12% for >40°. The PPV is 55.8% for Cobb angle >10°, 12.8% for >20° and 2.6% for > 40°.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study of school scoliosis screening in Malaysia. The prevalence rate of scoliosis was 2.55%. The positive predictive value was 55.8%, which is adequate to suggest that the school scoliosis screening programme did play a role in early detection of scoliosis. However, a cost effectiveness analysis will be needed to firmly determine its efficacy.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext The relation of risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort among manual material handling workers in Malaysian automotive industries

Mirta Widia, Siti Zawiah Md Dawal, Nukman Yusoff

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(10):0-0.
MyJurnal

Most studies have examined the association of ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort in developed countries. Meanwhile the data are still lacking in developing countries such as Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort among manual material handling workers in Malaysian automotive industries. A total of211 manual material handling workers from automotive industries completed a set of questionnaire on the individual, physical and environmental factors and the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort. The Chi-Square test and logistics regression analysis were used to determine the relationship of the risk factors and musculoskeletal. The findings highlighted that job tenure was significantly correlated with musculoskeletal discomfort among the workers (OR=2.33-5.56). The most significant physical risk factor that was associated with musculoskeletal discomfort was bending the trunk forward slightly, hands above knee level, which was significantly related to lower back discomfort (OR=5.13, 95%CI=1.56-16.8), thigh discomfort (OR=5.1, 95%CI=1.01-25.53) and wrist discomfort (OR=3.65, 95%CI=1.06-12.53). Twisting of the trunk (over 45o) and bending sideways were significantly associated to lower back discomfort (OR=4.04, 95%CI=1.44-14.44), and thigh discomfort (OR=4.3, 95%CI=1.29-8.50). The findings also highlighted that environmental factors was associated with musculoskeletal discomfort (p < 0.05. Musculoskeletal discomfort can be reduced by lowering work-related risk factors among automotive manual material handling workers, particularly by focusing on significant factors, including job tenure, bending or twisting postures and environmental factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Acoustic comfort in industrial office: a preliminary study at a manufacturing company in Malaysia

Farah Elida Selamat, Rozli Zulkifli

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(101):7-14.
MyJurnal

Acoustics issues such as noise in the workplace remains one of the most prevalence occupational hazard especially in
the manufacturing industry with heavy machineries. Increasing mechanization in all industries and most trades has
since proliferated the noise problem. In Malaysia, much has been studied and is known about the auditory effects of
noise. However less attention has been given to the non-auditory effects of noise such as annoyance, stress, and work
performance, and concern about such effects is a relatively recent phenomenon. In view of this, this study aims to
determine the level of noise from different type of machines and tools in a manufacturing plant and also the effects
of noise to the employees. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the effects of noise on the workers and
sound level meter was used to measure the noise level at selected work areas. The results of this study showed that
nearly all the identified work areas exceeded the action level of 85 dB(A) and four of these areas noise levels’ are
more than 90 dB(A) which is the permissible exposure limit according to the Factories and Machinery (Noise
Exposure) Regulations 1989. For the questionnaire, it was found that annoyance topped the noise effects list with
51.4%, followed by stress with 40.0%, hearing deterioration (14.3%) and job performance deterioration (2.9%). As a
conclusion, noise control or preventive measures are suggested in order to minimize the health risks from noise
exposure.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A survey among guardians on child restraint system (CRS) usage In central peninsular Malaysia

Noor Faradila, P., Aqbal Hafeez, A., Azhar, H., Rohayu, S., Akmalia, S., Mohd Syazwan, S., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(101):1-6.
MyJurnal

Children are much more likely than adults to get serious injuries in car crashes due to their softer bones, weaker neck muscle and fragile bodies. Child restraint system (CRS) can help in reduce injury and prevent fatality in the event of a crash. Thus the aim of this paper is to gauge the prevalence of CRS usage among guardians of children age below 11 years old. A survey to addressed guardians knowledge on CRS usage, practice and their views on fitting child restraints system to their vehicles were carried out among parents and carers who are caring children aged 11 years old and below. Seventy-four percent (74%) out of 500 respondents cited they have used CRS, however only 40% of them is currently using CRS with their children. Respondent in Kuala Lumpur and younger guardians reported twice likely to use CRS. In addition, graduate respondents are 1.5 times more likely to use CRS for their children. In conclusion, high incorrect usage rate and understanding of the CRS could promote additional injury towards the children in a car crash. Many initiatives could be introduced before the implementation of the CRS law in Malaysia such as awareness, community-based programs and CRS clinics that aim to guide guardians on the correct and effective way of installing the CRS device in their car.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Prevalence of menopausal symptoms, its effect to quality of life among Malaysian women and their treatment seeking behaviour

Abdullah B, Moize B, Ismail BA, Zamri M, Mohd Nasir NF

Med J Malaysia, 2017 04;72(2):94-99.
PMID: 28473671

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of menopausal symptoms, its effect to the quality of life and their treatment seeking behaviour in a multiracial community in Malaysia.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving postmenopausal women in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Data was obtained by face-to-face interview using standardised questionnaires on sociodemographic data, Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire, effect to quality of life and treatment sought.

RESULTS: A total of 258 women, including Malays (82%), Indians (14.1%) and Chinese (3.9%) were recruited. The median age was 58 (range 45-86) years old. Joint and muscular discomfort (73.3%) and fatigue (59.3%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Significant association with ethnicity were demonstrated with Malays was found to have 3.1 times higher incidence of sexual problems than Indians, (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.103; 95%CI 1.209, 7.967) and Indian had 2.6 times higher incidence of irritability compared to Malays (OR 2.598; 95%CI 1.126, 5.992). Fifty-two percent of women felt that menopausal symptoms affected their quality of life but there were only 2.7% who were severely affected. There were 24.8% of women who sought treatment and only 20.3% of those who took hormone replacement therapy. There was no significant association found between their treatment seeking behaviour in association with ethnicity, age, parity, marital and occupational status.

CONCLUSION: Menopausal symptoms were prevalent among menopausal women, although only a small group of women who were severely affected. There was a lack of tendency in seeking treatment for menopausal symptoms among the women.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Erectile dysfunction among patients on methadone maintenance therapy and its association with quality of life

Teoh JB, Yee A, Danaee M, Ng CG, Sulaiman AH

J Addict Med, 2017 Jan-Feb 6;11(1):40-46.
PMID: 27753719 DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000267

OBJECTIVES: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem commonly encountered by patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ED among this group of patients along with its risk factors and association with quality of life (QOL).
METHODS: Male patients on MMT in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia were included in the study. A total of 134 patients with sexual partners were assessed for ED using the International Index of Erectile Function. Patients were assessed for substance use using Opiate Treatment Index (OTI) and depression using the Malay version of the self-rated Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-BM). QOL was evaluated using World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF.
RESULTS: The prevalence of ED among patients on MMT was 67%, with 26.1% having mild ED, 30.4% having mild-to-moderate ED, 7.0% having moderate ED, and 17.2% having severe ED. Patients with depression were 4 times more likely to have ED compared with patients without depression, whereas increasing age significantly correlated with the severity of ED. Having ED predicted a poorer QOL in the social relationships domain.
CONCLUSION: Depression is highly associated with ED, which negatively influences the social aspect of QOL among patients on methadone maintenance therapy.
Study site: outpatient addiction psychiatric clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Factors influencing the prevalence and distribution of ticks and tick- borne pathogens among domestic animals in Malaysia

Mohammed, Konto, Tukur, Salamatu M., Watanabe, Mahira, Abd-rani, Puteri A.m., Lau, Seng F., Shettima, Yasheruram M., et al.

The Pertanika Journal of Scholarly Research Reviews, 2016;2(2):12-22.
MyJurnal

Changes in tick-vector densities and a resultant incidence of tick-borne diseases are
caused mainly by human activities affecting the environmental ecosystem, especially in tropical
countries. As one of the most important invertebrate arthropod vectors of disease transmission, ticks
are susceptible to changes in their environment due to their sole dependence of all their life stages on
prevailing environment. Upon completion of their lifecycle, ticks depend on the availability of hosts
and other several factors related to their surroundings to survive. This review discusses the major
factors that influence the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne diseases among domestic animals
in Malaysia. It is highly imperative to understand the factors that lead to increase in tick-vector
populations, infection intensity and hence the spatial distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases in
order to prevent their emergence and resurgence as well as to serve as a basis for effectivecontrol.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Ascariasis among orang asli children at pos lenjang, Pahang, malaysia

Hartini, Y., Mohamed Kamel, A.G.

Medicine & Health, 2010;5(2):60-65.
MyJurnal

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2006 to determine the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection among Orang Asli (aborigines) children in Pos Lenjang, Pahang. A total of 71 faecal samples were collected from the children (40 girls and 31 boys) aged between 1-12 years. The samples were examined for the presence of the ova of A. lumbricoides using direct faecal smear and formalin-ether concentration techniques. 42.3%. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides infection was found to be slightly higher in males (45.2%) compared to females (40%) (p>0.05). The school-aged children showed higher prevalence of infection (48.6%) as compared to the preschool children (35.3%) (p

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Sybr Green Real-Time PCR is a useful method in screening for high risk human papilloma virus types 16 and 18 in neoplastic cervical cancer

Nor Rizan, K., Abdul Manaf ,A., Sabariah, A.R., Siti Aishah, M.A., Noorjahan Banu, M.A., Zubaidah, Z.

Medicine & Health, 2011;6(1):59-67.
MyJurnal

Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. HPV has been found in 99.7% of cervical cancers worldwide. In Malaysia, it is the second most common cancer among women in all major ethnic groups. The main purpose of this study was to establish the method of SyBrGreen Real-Time PCR and apply it for identification of multiple infections of the two high risk HPV subtypes. In this study, 57 positive samples for HPV 16 and HPV 18 were used to establish a simple
and sensitive method to detect and identify HPV infection in the cervical neoplasia at different stages of the disease by using real-time ABICycler SyBrGreen 1 technology. The results showed 67 HPV genomes in 57 samples. HPV 16 genome was detected in 55/67 (82%) cases while HPV 18 was detected in 8/67 (12%) cases with 4 cases showing multiple infections of HPV 16 and HPV 18. HPV 16 was the most prevalent followed by HPV 18. Using SyBr Green Real-Time PCR techniques, the results
showed that DNA melting curve for HPV 16 had a peak around 80.2ºC and Ct value of 20 cycles whereas the DNA melting curve for HPV 18 around 79.2ºC and Ct value of 22 cycles. In conclusion, a SyBr Green Real-Time PCR method has the potential for clinical usage in detection and identification of HPV infection in cervical neoplasia at different stages of the disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Cost of type 2 diabetes mellitus in selected developing countries

Wan Norlida Ibrahim, Syed Aljunid, Aniza Ismail

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2010;10(2):68-71.
MyJurnal

Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is a major contributor for rapid rise in healthcare cost in developing countries since the last decade. It was estimated that around 54% of deaths in developing countries are due to chronic non-communicable diseases which is predicted to rise by 65% by 2030. Diabetes mellitus is among the most prevalent chronic diseases suffered by more than 180 million people worldwide. By 2030 it is estimated that around 400 million people in the world will be afflicted with diabetes. Annual deaths attributable to diabetes are probably as high as 3 million with more than 80% occur in developing countries. India, China and Indonesia are three countries in the Asian region with most number of people with diabetes. The total number of cases in these three countries is expected to increase more than double from 61 million in 2000 to 163 million in 2030. China and India will suffer cumulative GDP loss of 13.8% and 16.7% respectively, over the next ten year period. Assessing economic burden of diabetes is a challenging task for researchers because identification of direct and indirect cost of the disease is often complex since patients with diabetes also suffers from other complications and co-morbidities. In conclusion, the heavy economic burden of diabetes pose major challenges to health policy makers in developing countries to assess the current approach in managing this chronic disease. Serious efforts should be made on focusing and up-scaling activities on health promotion and prevention of diabetes so that to provide a more cost-effective solution to this condition with huge and increasing economic loss.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Community vulnerability on dengue and its association with climate variability in Malaysia: a public health approach

Mazrura, S., Rozita Hod, Hidayatulfathi, O., Zainudin, M.A., Mohamad Naim, M.R., Nadia Atiqah, M.N., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2010;10(2):25-34.
MyJurnal

Dengue is one of the main vector-borne diseases affecting tropical countries and spreading to other countries at the global scenario without cease. The impact of climate variability on vector-borne diseases is well documented. The increasing morbidity, mortality and health costs of dengue and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) are escalating at an alarming rate. Numerous efforts have been taken by the ministry of health and local authorities to prevent and control dengue. However dengue is still one of the main public health threats in Malaysia. This study was carried out from October 2009 by a research group on climate change and vector-borne diseases. The objective of this research project is to assess the community vulnerability to climate variability effect on dengue, and to promote COMBI as the community responses in controlling dengue. This project also aims to identify the community adaptive measures for the control of dengue. Various research methodologies were applied in this research project in different localities. Site visits, review on surveillance data and mapping on Aedes population, dengue cases and climate variability, community survey on the knowledge prevalence , opinions and practices (KOP) and mosquito ecology were carried out during pre- and post intervention phases. Community vulnerability towards Aedes and dengue were mapped out applying GIS. A series of workshops, group discussions and activities such as COMBI activities to promote Aedes control were conducted involving the Ledang communities, the health district officers and UKM researchers. These activities also included interventions and documentation of community responses and their adaptive capacities towards dengue. Trends on Aedes population, dengue cases and community surveys pre and post-interventions, the processes for dengue control activities were analysed. The research findings could provide understanding on the community vulnerability to dengue against climate variability, their responses and adaptive measures. The community advocacy on combats against Aedes is a possible effective solution in dengue control. This research could provide other dimensions in public health management to address the impacts of climate change on vector-borne diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Unmet needs for contraception in married women in a tribal area of India

Patil SS, Abdul Rashid K, Narayan KA

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2010;10(2):44-51.
MyJurnal

Background and Objectives: Unmet need for contraception is the gap between women's reproductive intentions and their contraceptive behavior. This community based interventional study was carried out to determine the unmet needs for contraception, the reasons for this and to assess the impact of interventional measures on acceptance of contraception.
Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted in 52 villages in the state of Maharashtra, India, among 363 married women selected by cluster sampling. Data was collected using an interview guide. An intervention was done for the women who had an unmet need and an assessment of the change was done subsequently. Data was analyzed by using SPSS.
Results The prevalence of contraceptive usage was 59.2% and the prevalence of unmet need for contraception was 44% (160). The unmet need for spacing births was 53.8%, 38.7% for limiting births and 7.5% women were dissatisfied with the current contraceptive method. The reasons ranged from side effects to contraceptives to source of obtaining contraceptives. Age of the respondents, education and number of living children showed statistically significant association with unmet needs. Post intervention, the contraceptive prevalence rate increased significantly 85.7% and there was a significant reduction in the unmet needs for spacing and limiting births, equally there was a significant reduction of dissatisfaction with using contraception.
Conclusion: Improvement in the use of contraception and addressing the unmet need for contraception requires community involvement and ongoing, sustained efforts by health workers to ensure quality care to the beneficiaries.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy and influencing factors in Johor Bahru. [Prevalen anemia semasa mengandung dan faktor-faktor mempengaruhinya di Johor Bahru]

Siti Khatijah AR, Rosnah S, Rahmah MA

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2010;10(1):70-83.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Anemia in pregnancy is still a public health problem in developing countries including Malaysia. Early screening of pregnant mothers who have risk factors of anemia could help identifying these potential anemic mothers and hence targeted for intervention.
Methodology: A cross sectional study IN 2008 was conducted among pregnant women who attended government health clinics in Johor Bahru district to assess the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy and factors associated with it using a structured questionnaire.
Result: Prevalence of anemia in pregnancy (Hb<11.0 g/dl) was 36.6% and majority in mild category (Hb 9-<11 g/dl). The associated factors of anemia in pregnancy were birth spacing, dietary intake with high iron content and iron pill consumption. Multivariate analyses revealed that iron pill intake was the most important factor influencing anemia in pregnancy.
Discussion and conclusion: Even though Johor Bahru is a big town with good health facilities, the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy was quite high. Results were compared with previous studies. Emphasis on compliance to iron pills is very important in prevention and treating anemia in pregnancy
Key Words: anemia in pregnancy, birth spacing and iron pill intake
Study site: Four urban and two rural klinik kesihatan, Johor, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Male participation and sharing of responsibility in strengthening family planning activities in Malaysia

Rosliza, A.M., Majdah, M.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2010;10(1):23-27.
MyJurnal

Family planning is one of the main pillars of safe motherhood initiatives. It is therefore a very crucial area that needs continuous strengthening and improvement in order to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality which will ultimately improve the general condition of women. Findings from the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Death (CEMD) Malaysia Report 2001 - 2005 revealed that up to 70% of the maternal deaths never practiced any form of family planning. The contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) in Malaysia for the year 2004 was 51.7% compared to Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore which was 79%, 74% and 74% respectively. One neglected area that has never been emphasized seriously in the family planning programme in Malaysia is male participation, gender awareness and sharing of responsibility by both partners. In realizing this, efforts have been made to include men as target groups in the national family planning programme. This paper will highlight the importance of optimum gender relations and sharing of responsibility with special emphasis towards the role of husbands and male medical personnel in the effort to improve family planning activities. It will also discuss the efforts put by the Ministry of Health in order to create gender awareness and encourage male participation in family planning.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext Breastfeeding practices in a rural community in Kedah

Yadav, H.

JUMMEC, 2010;13(1):38-44.
MyJurnal

Breast feeding has been actively encouraged in Malaysia in the last few years in all public hospitals. This study proposes to find out the prevalence of breast feeding in three villages in a rural community in Kedah, Malaysia. This was a cross sectional study on breastfeeding practices in Kubang Pasu, a district of Kedah. Majority of the mothers initiated breast feeding but exclusive breastfeeding was only 21% for four months and predominant breastfeeding was about 12.6%. The breastfeeding practice was more prevalent among women from the higher educational strata and higher income than those from the lower strata and lower income (p

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence

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