METHODS: This was an exploratory qualitative study conducted via semi-structured interviews with twenty-two women who were married when they were younger than 18 years old in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Participants were recruited through purposive and convenient sampling with the use of data from a reproductive health clinic and recruitment in villages. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis.
RESULTS: Four overarching themes were identified: health risk behaviour, family poverty, early marriage as fate, and family disharmony.
CONCLUSIONS: In-depth understanding of the unique factors leading to child marriage locally will facilitate the introduction of new approaches to interventions to eradicate child marriage in Sarawak state, Malaysia.
METHODS: The ReReki module was developed using the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation model, based on the theory of planned behaviour. Content validation involved six adolescent health experts, using Russell's model validity approach and a content validity questionnaire. Games were then designed to complement the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) materials. The gamified ReReki module was pre-tested with 20 adolescent boys from a selected school, and the language was refined by a linguistic expert.
RESULTS: The module included five main topics, 29 subtopics and six games. The overall content validity score based on the survey method was 81.8%, while that based on Russell's model was 79.3%, indicating a high level of validity for the ReReki module. One new topic and two subtopics were added, while two subtopics scoring below 70% were flagged for further review. The adolescent boys expressed their acceptance of the gamified SRH content.
CONCLUSION: All five main topics, along with the 29 subtopics in the ReReki module, are suitable and ready for use by adolescent boys in the Malaysian context.
METHODS: This was a primary school-based cross-sectional study using multistage cluster sampling, conducted at Bau district in Sarawak, Malaysia in 40 primary schools. A questionnaire was used to collect information of usage pattern in insufficient lighting, timing and position. The physical and behavioural complaints were traced. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. A p-value < 0.05 with 95% CI was considered as statistically significant.
RESULTS: About 52.8% of the 569 students used digital devices in a bright room, 69.8% in the day time and 54.4% in sitting position. The physical complaints were headache (32.9%), neck, shoulder and back pain (32.9%) followed by by eye strain (31.8%). Regarding behavioural problems, 25.7% of the students had loss of interest in study and outdoor activities (20.7%), skipped meals (19.0%) and arguments/disagreements with parents (17.9%). After logistic regression analysis, the lying position (OR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.096, 2.688) and darkroom lighting (OR=2.323 95% CI: 1.138, 4.744) appeared to be potential predictors of the complaint.
CONCLUSION: One-quarter of the students studied experienced physical complaints, and one-fifth had behavioural problems associated with the use of electronic devices. Lying position and darkroom lighting are the potential predictors of complaints. Therefore, we suggest that the children should use electronic devices in the sitting position with adequate room lighting.