SOCIAL SUPPORT AND THE ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG MOTHERS ATTENDING PRIMARY CARE CENTERS IN MALAYSIA. Abstract Background/Objectives: Postpartum Depression (PPD) is the most common maternal distress worldwide. PPD negatively impacts mothers, infants, and the family, affecting psychosocial and economic well-being. The study aims to determine the prevalence of Postpartum Depression in mothers attending primary care centres and the associated risk factors, including perceived social support and breastfeeding experiences. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 230 mothers up to three months postpartum attending two maternal and child clinics in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia, from August to November 2022. Three self-report measures were used, namely the sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to assess depression and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure the level of perceived social support. Results: The prevalence of Postpartum Depression was 2.6%. Univariate analysis found that duration of postpartum, employment status, income groups, depressed mood during pregnancy and presence of breastfeeding difficulties were significantly associated with Postpartum Depression. Predictors of Postpartum Depression were the high-income group (P 0.044 or 10.76 95% CI 1.07-108.76), depressed mood during pregnancy (P 0.026 or 8.31 95% CI 1.29-53.47) and breastfeeding difficulties (P 0.018 or 15.14 95% CI 1.59-144.54). Conclusion: Postpartum Depression is prevalent in the community. General and targeted Postpartum Depression screening should be done early. Breastfeeding educators’ services should be feasible for the mother to reduce the risk of Postpartum Depression.

SUMMARY Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection affecting children and therefore, prompt recognition and accurate antimicrobial management are vital to prevent kidney damage. This study aims to determine the bacterial pathogens and their patterns of antimicrobial resistance in children presenting with UTI. Methods: A retrospective study of 721 cases, involving children between the ages of 1-day old to 13 years old with culture-proven UTI in Selayang Hospital, Malaysia between January 2007 and December 2011. The bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns in the total population, prophylaxis and no prophylaxis groups were studied. Results: The 3 most common organisms isolated in the total population were E.Coli (41.6%), Klebsiella spp. (21.2%) and Enterococcus spp. (11.0%). With regards to the antibiotic resistance, E.Coli resistance rates to ampicillin, cefuroxime and gentamicin were 67.7%, 15.3% and 7.3% respectively. Ampicillin-resistance was also highest in Klebsiella spp. (84.3%), Enterococcus spp. (15.5%) and Proteus spp. (55.5%). Conclusion: E.coli remains to be the leading bacterial pathogen causing UTI in children, with ampicillin-resistance occurring in more than half of these cases. Therefore, accurate choice of antibiotics is important to ensure optimal outcome. In our study, cefuroxime and gentamicin have lower antibiotic resistance rates and can be used in the treatment of UTI in children.
Urinary Tract Infections