Rahmah Mohd Amin

Work related determinants of breastfeeding discontinuation among employed mothers in Malaysia

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study assesses factors that contribute to discontinuing breastfeeding among employed mothers in Malaysia.MethodsA structured questionnaire was used in conducting this study involving all government health clinics in Petaling district between July and September 2006. Respondents were Malaysian women with children between the ages of six to twelve months who were formally employed. Factors studied were selected socio-demographic and work-related characteristics.ResultsFrom a total of 290 respondents, 51% discontinued breastfeeding. The majority (54%) of mothers who discontinued breastfeeding had breastfed their babies for less than three months. Compared to Malay mothers, the risk of breastfeeding discontinuation were higher among Chinese (AOR 3.7, 95% CI: 1.7, 7.8) and Indian mothers (AOR 7.3, 95% CI 1.9, 27.4). Not having adequate breastfeeding facilities at the workplace was also a risk factor for breastfeeding discontinuation (AOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.1).ConclusionIt is important that workplaces provide adequate breastfeeding facilities such as a room in which to express breast milk and a refrigerator, and allow mothers flexible time to express breast milk.

Influence of antenatal care on birth weight: a cross sectional study in Baghdad City, Iraq

Background Antenatal care is defined as the care given to mothers and their fetus during pregnancy. There are many aspects of antenatal care that need to be emphasized to ensure good delivery outcome. One important outcome is low birth weight which has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as weight at birth of less than 2.500 grams (up to and including 2,499 g) irrespective of gestational age. This paper aims to show the association between antenatal care and birth weight.

Prevalence and impact of physical disability on Malaysian school-aged children: a population-based survey.

Purpose. To determine the magnitude and impact of physical disability on Malaysian school-aged children between 7 and less than 18 years old. Method. Cross-sectional population-based household interview with two-stage stratified sampling design. Setting. The Malaysian Third National Health of Morbidity Survey, 2006. Results. Overall prevalence of physical disability was 2.8 per 1000 population among children aged between 7 and less than 18 years old. The commonest cause was congenital, in 61.5% of the affected children. Slightly more than a third of these children with physical disability were partially or totally dependent on their caregivers in the various areas of self care (37.4%) and mobility (34.9%). We also found that the more severe the physical disability, the more adverse impact it had on the functional independence and community participation of these children. Among these children, almost 40% of them had no verbal communication, 31.5% had not attended formal education and 21% were housebound. Conclusion. This population-based survey on physical disability among school-aged children highlighted the key areas where physical disability can greatly impact on the childs function. It has identified the areas of needs that require multisectoral involvement and commitment from the government, non-government and private agencies.

Premenstrual symptoms and remedies practiced by Malaysian women attending a rural primary care clinic

ABSTRACT Background Premenstrual symptoms affect about 40% of women of reproductive age. In an effort to alleviate premenstrual symptoms, affected women practice various remedial approaches. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of premenstrual symptoms experienced by women, the associated factors and the remedial approaches practiced by them. Method This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a rural primary care clinic situated in Hulu Langat, Malaysia. All women of reproductive age (18 to 44 years old) attending the clinic during the study period and who fit the selection criteria were included. Premenstrual symptoms and severity were assessed using a self-report questionnaire, the Shortened Premenstrual Assessment Form (SPAF). It consists of 10 items that measure changes in mood, behaviour and physical symptoms. The respondents were also asked if they had used any remedy to relieve their symptoms. Results A total of 158 women were included in the study. The majority of the respondents were Malay (70.3%), followed by Indian (16.5%) and Chinese (10.8%) women. About 75% of the women experienced at least one of the premenstrual symptoms. Approximately 7% of them reported experiencing severe symptoms in all three subscales of the SPAF. The frequently reported symptoms were body ache (75.3%), abdominal pain (75.3%), irritable feeling (63.9%) and breast discomfort (61.4%). The symptom score was higher among Malay women (p = 0.034), and those with a higher household income (p = 0.037) and higher educational level (p = 0.01). There was no significant association between premenstrual symptoms and age, marital status, menstrual cycle and age of menarche. The common remedies used were vitamins (19%), a healthy diet (15.8%) and analgesics (13.3%). Approximately 60% of the women did not use any remedy to reduce their premenstrual symptoms. Conclusion Premenstrual symptoms were common among women attending the clinic. The symptoms affect them significantly both physically and emotionally. Thus, it is essential for primary care providers to take an active role in identifying, educating and managing premenstrual symptoms among women.

Antenatal calcium intake in Malaysia.

To determine the adequacy of antenatal calcium intake in Malaysia, and the influencing factors.