The ‘irrational’ taboos and ‘irrelevant’ traditions related to postpartum women’s health and well-being

Taboos and traditions refer to myths and non-scientific practices held by people across the world. A variety of taboos are practiced worldwide (including those relating to food, religious, and sexual beliefs), including in Malaysia. Most of the taboos that concern the postpartum period are related to postpartum physiological, emotional, and family dynamic changes. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the traditions and taboos practised among postpartum mothers in Malaysia, and to consider the purpose and health impact of their practice. A systematic search of journals in Malaysia was conducted using eight major databases: Scopus, Ovid Medline, Science Direct, SAGE, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost. Articles from all journals published between 2013 and 2018 were assessed through the PRISMA checklist. From 17,945 papers screened, seven papers were selected for critical analysis using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (2018). It was found that in Malaysia, certain postpartum traditions, including food taboos and behavioural and physical restrictions were conducted with the aim of maintaining the well-being of mother and baby, and to improve the healing process. Some of the practices were found to be irrelevant, whilst others had beneficial health impacts. Based on this review, the practice of certain taboos and traditions during the postpartum period was found to have both advantages and disadvantages. A rational approach is needed to weigh the practice against maternal safety and health. Thus, healthcare personnel should be sensitive to the role of taboos and traditions in the postpartum care of patients. The practice of traditions and taboos should be monitored for safe practice, along with a need for community-based education to avoid any unwanted issues as a result of its practice

Effectiveness of sugar sweetened beverages tax on health and healthcare costs: a systematic review

Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is one of many other best strategies to reduce consumption of SSB among populations. It is known that SSB consumption is the main contributor which cause obesity and further lead to non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to gather the evidence on the effectiveness of sugar-sweetened beverages tax implementation, in terms of health outcome and healthcare cost benefit. A systematic review was done related to literature that reported about effectiveness of sugar-sweetened beverages tax implementation, in terms of health outcome and healthcare cost benefit. Four databases were used to identify the literature, namely PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus and Ovid and Medline. PRISMA flow checklist was used as a guide to search for the eligible articles. In total, there were sixteen eligible articles included in this systematic review. All studies are simulation studies. Results showed that both excise and ad valorem tax are effective to reduce healthcare costs and could avert diseases related to high sugar intake. Other than that, it is proven that implementing tax will gain favorable health outcome rather than do nothing. Better results seen when the tax is increased. As a conclusion, SSB tax is proven as an effective public health intervention in terms of giving benefit to the health outcome and healthcare cost

A casemix: congestive heart failure readmission rate and its associated factors in a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur

Cardiovascular mortality is within the top five causes of death from non-communicable disease based on World Health Organization profile. Around 20% of heart failure patients are readmitted within 30 days worldwide. Readmission within 30 days for congestive heart failure often related to non-compliant to fluid restriction, natural progression of the disease or pre-mature discharge. The study aims to evaluate the 30 days readmission rate of congestive heart failure in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) from the year 2016-2017 using casemix data and to determine the associated factors related to it. Based on the data coding, cost of readmission incurred was calculated. The 30-days readmission rate of heart failure to UKMMC in the year 2016-2017 was 53.5% & 43.5%, higher than the developed countries standard but similar to that of local teaching hospitals. After adjustment, age and level of severity are the only significant associated factors for the 30-days readmission rate. Shorter average length of stay (ALOS) & lower extra-tariff were achieved for readmission of heart failure. Total of RM80,329.73 was saved in the year 2017 from prompt treatment and comprehensive care plan of treating 19.3% level 3 severity patients at level 1 ALOS and tariff-cost. The 30-days readmission rate for heart failure in UKMMC was comparable to local teaching hospitals. The reduction of 30-days readmission rate in 2017 saved much cost, shows good clinical governance and advanced treatment strategy. Casemix can be used to guide budget allocation for the cardiology department of UKMMC

Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome in Patients with TB-HIV Coinfection in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health threat to people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aimed to identify the characteristics, unsuccessful TB treatment rate, and determinants of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome among patients with TB-HIV coinfection in Kuala Lumpur. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study. The data of all patients with TB-HIV in the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur from 2013 to 2017 were collected and reviewed. The data were retrieved from the national database (TB Information System) at the Kuala Lumpur Health Department from 1 March 2018 to 31 May 2018. Results. Out of 235 randomly selected patients with TB-HIV, TB treatment outcome was successful in 57.9% (cured and completed treatment) and unsuccessful in 42.1% (died, failed, or lost to follow-up). Patients who did not receive DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course) (adjusted odds ratio: 21.71; 95% confidence interval: 5.36–87.94) and those who received shorter treatment duration of 6 months. It is crucial to strengthen and widen the coverage of DOTS, especially among high-risk groups, in healthcare settings. Strict follow-up by healthcare providers is needed for patients with TB-HIV to gain treatment adherence and for better rates of successful TB treatment

Tokamachi, Niigata, Japan experience sharing on preparation towards active ageing, 2020

As the year 2020 marked a significant milestone to our country with regards to our vision to become a developed country, the UKM-Niigata Univeristy “Exchange Program & Seminar on Program for Enhancing Health Policies for Healthy and Active Aging In-Comparison Between Malaysia & Japan” was suitably conducted. The MOU between UKM-NU (Niigata University) since year 2009 has opened plenty of opportunities for various fruitful collaborations in terms of knowledge, research and experience sharing between both countries. This round, the opportunity was offered to two post graduate DrPH (Doctor of Public Health) students, together with professors, associate professors and senior officers from Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, UKM, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences UMS and UPM, MyAgeing UPM and Cheras District Health Office. The Malaysian delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Rohaizat bin Hassan, who himself attained the PhD degree from Niigata University and has ushered in many opportunistic networking and good collaborations between both countries / universities