Early resumption of sexual intercourse and its determinants among postpartum Iban mothers

Introduction: Recurrent pregnancy with close child spacing can result from early resumption of sexual intercourse during the postpartum period. This would expose mothers to complications such as unsafe abortion, postpartum depression and premature birth. The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with early resumption of sexual intercourse among postpartum Iban mothers.Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted in Sri Aman Division, Sarawak between 1st July and 31st August 2006. A total of 265 Iban mothers agreed to participate in this study. They were interviewed face-to-face using structured questionnaire. Any postpartum sexual intercourse at 6 weeks or less is considered an early resumption of sexual intercourse.Results: Univariable analyses showed significant association between early sexual intercourse and use of contraceptive; mothers’ and husbands’ income; mothers who believed their husbands were sexually abstinent during their confinement period; mothers who stayed with their spouse after delivery; and those with high libido. Multivariable analysis showed only mothers’ and husbands’ income, use of contraceptive and those who believed their husbands practiced sexual abstinence during their confinement period were significantly associated with early resumption of sexual intercourse. Conclusions: Counselling on postpartum resumption of sexual intercourse among Iban mothers should focus on these determinants to ensure a more effective counselling outcome among Iban mothers

Life table characteristics of Malaysian strain Aedes albopictus (Skuse)

The survival of a mosquito is the most important aspect that affects its ability as a pathogen transmitting vector, such as Aedes albopictus, which is a vector of chikungunya and dengue. Knowledge on mosquito life demographics is important in providing a foundation for a successful vector control programme. In this study, two strains of Ae. albopictus [Selangor (SEL) and Kuala Lumpur (KL)] were employed in order to determine the life demographics, including the development period, survival rate, mortality rate, and reproductive capability undercontrolled laboratory conditions. A cohort life table was developed based on the data collected. The complete life cycle period was inconsistent and ranged between 6 to 14 days. The males have a shorter survival period compared to the females. The percentage of females surviving and producing eggs has decreased across the gonotrophic cycle for both strains. A fluctuating pattern of oviposition among most of the females was observed throughout the gonotrophic cycle. The apparent mortality was highest at the embryogenesis stage than the other life stages across the gonotrophic cycle, with the pupae stage being recorded as the lowest mortality rate for both strains. Based on the demographic growth parameters calculated in this study, both strains showed favourable capability to be established in the laboratory. The data provided in this study can be used as a basic guideline on the population growth of the mosquito species and their capability as a pathogen vector