1.Role of sociodemographic, obstetric history and planning of pregnancy in predicting short interpregnancy interval among antenatal mothers in Klang, Selangor
Omar Mardiana ; Mohd. Zulkefli Nor Afiah ; Ahmad Norliza
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2019;74(2):151-159
Introduction: Short Interpregnancy interval (IPI) is defined
as the interval between the live birth outcome and the next
pregnancy conception of less than 24 months. It has been
linked to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. The
objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and
the predictors of short IPI among antenatal mothers.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among
452 antenatal mothers attending health clinics in Klang in
April 2018. Probability sampling was used and data was
collected by using a validated self-administered
questionnaire. The dependent variable of the study was
short IPI and the independent variables were
sociodemographic, obstetric history and planning of
pregnancy. Analysis of data collected in the study was
performed by using IBM Statistical Package for Social
Science (SPSS) version 24.
Results: The prevalence of short IPI found in this study was
48%. Seven identified predictors of short IPI were: age less
than 25 years old (Adjusted Odd Ratios; AOR 12.16, 95%CI:
4.72, 31.30), age of 26 to 30 years old (AOR 5.20, 95%CI: 2.62,
10.32), age of 31 to 35 years old (AOR 2.90, 95% CI: 1.50,
5.64), higher education (AOR 2.11, 95% CI: 1.34, 3.34), parity
more than three (AOR 3.12, 95% CI: 1.42, 6.84), irregular
menstruation (AOR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.40, 3.37) and unintended
pregnancy (AOR 2.88, 95% CI: 1.88, 4.40).
Conclusion: Innovative programmes, for example by making
IPI information available through online resources, could
effectively target young mothers as the younger generation
prefers quick, easily-accessible and reliable information.
2.COVID-19 outbreak at an aged-care facility in Selangor, Malaysia, March–April 2020
Faridah Jafri ; Mardiana Omar ; Faridah Kusnin ; Masitah Mohamad
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2022;13(1):33-37
Objective:
Aged-care facilities are high-risk settings for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks because residents have risk factors such as advanced age and multiple comorbidities. This report details a COVID-19 outbreak at an aged-care facility in Selangor, Malaysia during March–April 2020.
Methods:
Epidemiological and environmental data were gathered via telephone interviews and field investigations. Swab samples were taken from all residents and staff for laboratory investigation. Possible contributing factors to the outbreak were explored.
Results:
There were a total of 18 individuals at the institution: nine elderly residents and nine staff. The attack rate was 66.67% (6/9) among the elderly residents and 55.56% (5/9) among the staff. The most common symptoms reported were fever, cough, shortness of breath and diarrhoea. The fatality rate among COVID-19 cases was 18.18% (2/11). Both fatal cases occurred in people of advanced age (86 and 92 years old), who had comorbidities and had fever at presentation. The factors contributing to the outbreak included a delay in isolating symptomatic residents, the use of common facilities, caregivers providing support to more than one resident and a lack of natural ventilation.
Discussion
Prevention and control measures must be aggressively implemented in high-risk sites to significantly reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality during COVID-19 outbreaks. Specific guidelines should be developed detailing the management of outbreaks in institutions such as aged-care facilities.