Feeding practices after hospital discharge are important for the growth and nutritional adequacy of preterm infants. However, local data on post-discharge milk feeding and complementary feeding practices remain limited. This study described post-discharge milk feeding practices and the timing and quality of complementary feeding among Malaysian preterm infants. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of preterm infants born before 37 weeks of gestation and aged 6–23 months corrected age. A structured online questionnaire collected information on clinical characteristics, milk feeding history, complementary feeding practices, and sociodemographic factors. Complementary feeding quality was assessed using the World Health Organization indicators: Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD), Minimum Meal Frequency (MMF), and Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD). Descriptive analyses were performed. Twenty-three caregivers participated. All infants received breastmilk during their NICU stay. Predominant or exclusive breastmilk feeding decreased from 60.9% at 3 months to 52.2% at 6 months, while formula feeding increased to 47.8% at 6 months. The mean (SD) corrected age at complementary feeding initiation was 5.1 (1.2) months, corresponding to 7.1 (1.4) months chronological age. More than half of the infants (52.2%) started complementary feeding before 5 months corrected age. Plain or mixed porridge was the most common first complementary food (82.6%). Overall, 65.2% achieved MDD, 70.0% achieved MMF, and 47.8% achieved MAD. Post-discharge milk feeding and complementary feeding practices varied among Malaysian preterm infants. Less than half achieved the minimum acceptable diet. Clearer pretermspecific feeding guidance and enhanced caregiver education are needed to support optimal feeding practices after hospital discharge.

BACKGROUND: A qualitative study providing an in-depth exploration of people's view and the increasing burden of overweight and obesity is required. This study aimed to explore the understanding of dieting and previous experiences on weight loss attempts among overweight and obese government employees in Kelantan, Malaysia, prior to recruitment into the intervention program. METHODS: Thirteen focus group discussions involving 129 participants from a weight-loss intervention program were conducted within the first 1 month of recruitment. These discussions were moderated by two trained researchers in the Malay language and assisted by an interview guide. They were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was performed, and codes and themes from each discussion were constructed. RESULTS: The participants understood dieting with various meanings, including skipping meals and removing rice from daily diets. They applied numerous methods to lose weight and achieved various outcomes. Health and appearance, social support, and compliance with current trends were the factors motivating these participants to lose weight. Their determination to lose weight was limited by lack of self-control and motivation, experiences of unpleasant effects, influence on weight, and environmental and health factors. CONCLUSION: Real-life weight loss experiences and perceptions provided relevant insights into current weight loss management strategies. Some of these issues and misunderstandings should be emphasized in weight loss strategies during health promotion.
Compliance ; Diet ; Focus Groups ; Health Promotion ; Malaysia ; Meals ; Motivation ; Obesity ; Overweight ; Qualitative Research ; Self-Control ; Weight Loss