Traditional postpartum dietary practices and maternal nutritional status

Introduction: In Malaysia, new mothers commonly practise traditional postpartum dietary restrictions, which generally involve food proscriptions and prescriptions. These practices may affect the success of breastfeeding as it may impact the ability to meet the increased nutritional requirements during lactation period. Objectives: This review examines the postpartum dietary practices of different cultures in Malaysia. It also intends to assess maternal nutritional status during the confinement period. Methodology: A literature search was conducted through Mendeley software and PubMed (from year 2001 to 2016) by the keywords postpartum, practices, dietary, beliefs, culture, and nutritional status. Search by bibliography was also done. Results: A total of 30 literatures were examined in this review which included quantitative and qualitative studies. Typically, mothers in Eastern cultures avoid intake of particular foods perceived to have properties of “cold”, “gassy”, “itchy”, etc. A study found that women in confinement have 19% lower mean energy intake as compared to Malaysian Recommended Nutrients Intake (RNI) and more than 90% of mothers did not meet nutritional requirements for some micronutrients and minerals. As lactating mother needs higher energy and nutrients intake, food restrictions practiced during this period may impact their ability to meet these nutritional requirements. Consequently, the lactation process may be affected. Conclusion: More investigations are needed to determine the potential effects of dietary postnatal restrictions on maternal nutritional status and lactation practices. This is necessary to optimize the effectiveness of breastfeeding, which would enhance the intermediate as well as the future health of the country’s next generations

Device-Free Localization for Human Activity Monitoring

Over the past few decades, human activity monitoring has grabbed considerable research attentions due to greater demand for human-centric applications in healthcare and assisted living. For instance, human activity monitoring can be adopted in smart building system to improve the building management as well as the quality of life, especially for the elderly people who are facing health deterioration due to aging factor, without neglecting the important aspects such as safety and energy consumption. The existing human monitoring technology requires additional sensors, such as GPS, PIR sensors, video camera, etc., which incur cost and have several drawbacks. There exist various solutions of using other technologies for human activity monitoring in a smartly controlled environment, either device-assisted or device-free. A radio frequency (RF)-based device-free indoor localization, known as device-free localization (DFL), has attracted a lot of research effort in recent years due its simplicity, low cost, and compatibility with the existing hardware equipped with RF interface. This chapter introduces the potential of RF signals, commonly adopted for wireless communications, as sensing tools for DFL system in human activity monitoring. DFL is based on the concept of radio irregularity where human existence in wireless communication field may interfere and change the wireless characteristics

Perception on postpartum dietary practices among Malay women in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan, Pahang

Traditional postpartum practices generally involve food proscriptions and prescriptions. Certain foods are prohibited due to their properties such as “windy”, “cold” and “hot”. As lactating mother needs higher energy and protein intake, this practice may impact their ability to meet their nutritional requirements. Consequently, their health may not be fully restored, wound healing would be slowed, and lactation success may be interfered. This study was conducted in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) to investigate Malay mothers’ perception on confinement dietary practices during postpartum period. A total of 80 respondents aged between 23-43 years old were interviewed using a questionnaire which consisted of an extensive list of food items. It was found that 100% of respondents mentioned that they do observe the traditional postpartum practices after childbirth with most of them (63.0%) chose to confine for up to 44 days. Flavored rice, roti canai and various types of noodle were generally avoided during postpartum period due to their ‘oily/fatty’ property. Tubers, and most fruits and vegetables were also avoided due to their ‘cold’ property. Moreover, the famous ‘reason’ for exclusion of fish was ‘bisa’ and ‘causing itchiness’ for seafood. Milk and dairy products were included in majority of respondents’ diet. Out of 80, 43 (53.8%) respondents avoided soy sauce because it was believed to give negative effect on wound healing. Other than that, iced drink, tea and sugarcane drink were avoided due to their ‘cold’ and ‘sharp/sour’ properties. In addition, statistical tests of all food items show that there is no difference in terms of level of acceptance for each food between women delivered via normal delivery or caesarean section. It is concluded that postpartum food taboo beliefs are still prevalent among Malay women. Extensive food prohibition and restriction causes limited food choices which may affect mothers’ nutritional intake. Thus, a more balanced diet should be recommended for Malay mothers during postpartum period to ensure adequate nutrient intake, as much as culturally acceptabl

El uso de la billetera electrónica como un indicador de aceptación de la tecnología financiera en Malasia

In the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) the remarkable growth of technology such Financial Technology (Fintech) has skyrocketed to popularity. The widespread use of Fintech such e-wallet is becoming inevitable. The emergence of technology in finance has fuelled interest in how e-wallet usage become an indicator of Fintech’s acceptance among Malaysian users. Few studies in technology acceptance have explicitly addressed the acceptance of replacement technologies but limited studies have been done among Malaysian e-wallet users. Furthermore, as the user adoption has a crucial role for a success and effective implementation of this technology, there is a need to assess user acceptance. In response, researchers tested the applicability of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to further explore the factors influencing the acceptance of e-wallet among Malaysian users. A quantitative study adopted using questionnaires. These findings suggest an extension of the TAM model for convergence technology such e-wallet. The Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software result indicates that all variable test had a higher average of mean which indicates all independent variables are equally important and accepted by the respondents.En la era de la Revolución Industrial 4.0 (IR 4.0), el notable crecimiento de la tecnología como la Tecnología Financiera (Fintech) se ha disparado a la popularidad. El uso generalizado de la billetera electrónica Fintech se está volviendo inevitable. El surgimiento de la tecnología en las finanzas ha alimentado el interés en cómo el uso de la billetera electrónica se convierte en un indicador de la aceptación de Fintech entre los usuarios de Malasia. Pocos estudios en aceptación de tecnología han abordado explícitamente la aceptación de tecnologías de reemplazo, pero se han realizado estudios limitados entre los usuarios de billetera electrónica de Malasia. Además, dado que la adopción del usuario tiene un papel crucial para el éxito y la implementación efectiva de esta tecnología, es necesario evaluar la aceptación del usuario. En respuesta, los investigadores probaron la aplicabilidad del Modelo de Aceptación de Tecnología (TAM) para explorar más a fondo los factores que influyen en la aceptación de la billetera electrónica entre los usuarios de Malasia. Un estudio cuantitativo adoptado utilizando cuestionarios. Estos hallazgos sugieren una extensión del modelo TAM para la tecnología de convergencia, como la billetera electrónica. El resultado del software Paquete estadístico para las ciencias sociales (SPSS) indica que todas las pruebas de variables tuvieron un promedio más alto de media, lo que indica que todas las variables independientes son igualmente importantes y aceptadas por los encuestados

Healthy Lifestyle Among School of Quantitative Sciences Lecturers, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)

The role of individual healthy behaviors like physical activity, nutrition and stress management on reduction of rate of disease mortality and morbidity is well known. The aim of this study is to determine healthy lifestyle in lecturers employed in School of Quantitative Sciences, University Utara Malaysia, in 2019. Materials and Methods: The participants of this cross-sectional study were 66 lecturers in School of Quantitative Sciences, selected via random sampling method. The data collection was performed using a questionnaire including demographic healthy lifestyle questions. Analysis of the data was performed through Software Statistical Analysis System Enterprise Guide (SAS EG) version 7.1. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 42.68 ± 1.37 years and, BMI mean was 24.13 ± 0.86. 92.42% of them were married and 7.58% also were single. Conclusion: According to the results, planning for lecturers in School of Quantitative Sciences for receiving information about healthy lifestyle on weight control and nutrition are important

The prophetic foods consumption among exclusively breastfeeding mothers in Kuantan, Pahang: An exploratory study

The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) strongly advocate exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth as the optimal way of feeding infants. Nutritional inadequacy during breastfeeding period may lead to breastfeeding problems such as inadequate milk production which is a common reason to early breastfeeding termination. Galactagogue is one of the solutions seek by breastfeeding mothers to overcome this problem. Within the topic of prophetic medicine, scholars discussed the foods consumed by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and their health benefits. Among the plants mentioned in Islamic literature are F.carica (figs), O.europea (olive), P.granatum (pomegranate) and N.sativa (habbatussauda). Studies on prophetic foods consumption among lactating mothers is limited in the literature. Thus, the aims of this study to explore on prophetic food consumption, among Malay mothers during exclusive breastfeeding period. Ten subjects are interviewed by in-depth semistructured interview guide. Inclusion criteria include Malay mothers aged 18 to 40 years, deliver full term babies and were exclusively breastfeeding. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim in Malay and translated into English. Translated transcripts were then analysed thematically with the help of NVivo software. Thematic analysis revealed three themes that represents participants’ knowledge, attitude and practice on prophetic foods consumption. The themes were 1) prophetic diet is related to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)’s practice on foods and eating manners, 2) perceived benefits and effectiveness of prophetic foods consumption, and 3) Practice of prophetic foods consumption during exclusive breastfeeding period. This study provides an insight to the understanding and perception on prophetic foods consumption during exclusive breastfeeding period among breastfeeding mothers. It is acknowledged that prophetic foods, particularly dates may have lactogenic function. Further studies should be carried out to investigate the relationship between prophetic foods consumption and lactogenic activity

Assessment of prophetic foods consumption among lactating mothers: Combining quantitative & qualitative approaches

Introduction: The phrase ‘Prophetic food and medicine’ reflects the words and actions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with the bearing of disease, treatment of disease, and care of patients. Among plants mentioned in the Al-Quran, Al-Hadith and Islamic literature are dates, pomegranates, figs, olive and black cumin seeds. These plants are widely used for medicinal purposes, as functional foods and industrial products. However, there are limited studies found regarding their effect on human milk quality and quantity. Thus, this paper aims to describe the methodology to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of prophetic foods consumption among lactating mothers in Kuantan, Pahang. Methodology: Pregnant Malay mothers aged 18 to 40 years old, at a gestational duration of ≥ 32 weeks, are recruited. During the lactation period, their dietary intake (specifically the consumption of prophetic foods) are assessed using a quantitative method which is food frequency questionnaire. A subsample of these mothers is then interviewed using semi-structured interview method on the prophetic food consumption. Quantitative and qualitative data are analysed using SPSS and NVivo software, respectively. Result: Reports of positive effects of prophetic food consumption on lactation experience namely improving human milk production is anticipated from this study. In addition, it will provide a foundation for further exploration of the role of prophetic food consumption in the lactation process. Conclusion: This research is at the forefront to provide the data on potential practice and application of prophetic foods in positively influencing lactation experience and quality of human milk

The knowledge, attitude and practice of prophetic foods consumption among exclusively breastfeeding mothers in Kuantan, Pahang: an exploratory study

The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) strongly advocate exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth as the optimal way of feeding infants. Nutritional inadequacy during breastfeeding period may lead to breastfeeding problems such as inadequate milk production which is a common reason to early breastfeeding termination. Galactagogue is one of the solutions seek by breastfeeding mothers to overcome this problem. Within the topic of prophetic medicine, scholars discussed the foods consumed by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and their health benefits. Among the plants mentioned in Islamic literature are F.carica (figs), O.europea (olive), P.granatum (pomegranate) and N.sativa (habbatussauda). Studies on prophetic foods consumption among lactating mothers is limited in the literature. Thus, the aims of this study to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of prophetic food consumption, among Malay mothers during exclusive breastfeeding period. Ten subjects are interviewed by in-depth semi-structured interview guide. Inclusion criteria include Malay mothers aged 18 to 40 years, deliver full term babies and were exclusively breastfeeding. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim in Malay and translated into English. Translated transcripts were then analysed thematically with the help of NVivo software. Thematic analysis revealed three themes that represents participants’ knowledge, attitude and practice on prophetic foods consumption. The themes were 1) prophetic diet is related to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)’s practice on foods and eating manners, 2) perceived benefits and effectiveness of prophetic foods consumption, and 3) Practice of prophetic foods consumption during exclusive breastfeeding period. This study provides an insight to the understanding and perception on prophetic foods consumption during exclusive breastfeeding period among breastfeeding mothers. It is acknowledged that prophetic foods, particularly dates may have lactogenic function. Further studies should be carried out to investigate the relationship between prophetic foods consumption and lactogenic activity

The potential of 3-dimensional construct engineered from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/fibrin hybrid scaffold seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for in vitro cartilage tissue engineering

Articular cartilage is well known for its simple uniqueness of avascular and aneural structure that has limited capacity to heal itself when injured. The use of three dimensional construct in tissue engineering holds great potential in regenerating cartilage defects. This study evaluated the in vitro cartilaginous tissue formation using rabbit's bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-seeded onto poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA/fibrin and PLGA scaffolds. The in vitro cartilaginous engineered constructs were evaluated by gross inspection, histology, cell proliferation, gene expression and sulphated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) production at week 1, 2 and 3. After 3 weeks of culture, the PLGA/fibrin construct demonstrated gross features similar to the native tissue with smooth, firm and glistening appearance, superior histoarchitectural and better cartilaginous extracellular matrix compound in concert with the positive glycosaminoglycan accumulation on Alcian blue. Significantly higher cell proliferation in PLGA/fibrin construct was noted at day-7, day-14 and day-21 (p < 0.05 respectively). Both constructs expressed the accumulation of collagen type II, collagen type IX, aggrecan and sox9, showed down-regulation of collagen type I as well as produced relative sGAG content with PLGA/fibrin construct exhibited better gene expression in all profiles and showed significantly higher relative sGAG content at each time point (p < 0.05). This study suggested that with optimum in vitro manipulation, PLGA/fibrin when seeded with pluripotent non-committed BMSCs has the capability to differentiate into chondrogenic lineage and may serve as a prospective construct to be developed as functional tissue engineered cartilage