V. Chandran

Predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome of Malaysian very low birthweight children at 4 years of age

Objective: To determine neonatal, early developmental and social risk factors that predict the neurocognitive and behavioural outcome of very low birthweight (VLBW) preschool children at four years of age.

Early cranial ultrasound changes as predictors of outcome during first year of life in term infants with perinatal asphyxia

Objectives: To identify the types of early cranial ultrasound changes that were significant predictors of adverse outcome during the first year of life in asphyxiated term infants.

Self-esteem in 6- to 16-year-olds with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis

Aim:  Childhood nocturnal enuresis (NE) and incontinence has been shown to be associated with increased behavioural problems and reduced self‐esteem (SE) in Western populations. The impact on Asian children, however, is not known. This study investigates the relationship between SE and monosymptomatic NE in Malaysian children aged 6 to 16 years.

Predictors of parenting stress in mothers of children with spina bifida

Study design:Prospective cross-sectional multidimensional study using clinical assessment and standard measures.Objectives:To determine the medical and social factors associated with parenting stress among mothers of children with spina bifida.Setting:Spina bifida clinics of two tertiary hospitals in urban Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Methods:A total of 81 mothers of children aged 1–18 years completed the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI/SF). Each childs adaptive skills were assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS), Interview Edition. Medical and social data were obtained from direct interviews and case note reviews. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to investigate factors that were determinants for high scores in the parental distress (PD), difficult child (DC) and parent–child dysfunctional interaction (P-CDI) subdomains of the PSI/SF. Results were expressed as beta coefficient (β) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).Results:Single-parent families (β 8.6, 95% CI 3.4–13.9) and the need for clean intermittent catheterization of bladder (β 3.5, 95% CI 0.7–6.2) were associated with high PD scores. Clean intermittent catheterization (β 3.0, 95% CI 0.5–5.5) was associated with higher DC scores. Lower composite VABS scores (β −0.08, 95% CI −0.02 to −0.15) and mother as the sole caregiver (β 2.6, 95% CI 0.15–4.96) was associated with higher P-CDI scores.Conclusion:The need for clean intermittent catheterization was the only medical factor associated with parenting stress in mothers of children with spina bifida. This was mediated by single parenthood, caregiver status and the childs adaptive skills.

Outcome of closed head injury in Malaysian children: Neurocognitive and behavioural sequelae

To compare the neurobehavioural outcome of children aged 6–12 years with severe closed head injury [sCHI] (coma >24 h), mild‐to‐moderate head injury [mCHI] (coma <6 h) and orthopaedic controls.

Comparison of morbidities in very low birthweight and normal birthweight infants during the first year of life in a developing country

Objective: To compare the morbidities in the very low birthweight (VLBW; < 1500 g) and normal birthweight (NBW; ± 2500 g) Malaysian infants during the first year of life.

A Comparison of parenting stress between mothers of children with spina bifida and able bodied controls

Materials and methods 81 mothers of children with spina bifida and 69 mothers of children with acute, non-disabling illnesses aged 1-18 years completed the Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI/SF) and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ). Each child’s adaptive skills was assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS). Medical and sociodemographic data were collected from a combination of case notes’ reviews and direct interviews. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine factors related to Parental Distress (PD), Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction (P-CDI) and Difficult Child (DC) sub domains of the PSI.