Introduction:: Current studies have established that there are numerous facilitators and challenges of exclusive breastfeeding. There are limited studies that explore working mothers‟ experiences on what empowers them to continue and sustain exclusive breastfeeding. Methods:: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted by means of in-depth semi-structured focus group with 16 working mothers purposively selected from all four public universities in Brunei Darussalam. Data was analysed thematically. Results:: Three themes emerged that influenced mothers‟ empowerment to initiate and sustain exclusive breastfeeding: 1) self-determination; 2) psychosocial support system; and 3) the real world. Mothers‟ determination to embrace breastfeeding is socio-culturally and religiously shaped, which is further strengthened by motherly instinct that primarily empowered mothers to exclusive breastfeeding. Psychosocial support system comprising husband, family, friends, support groups and social media are positively viewed as vital enhancer of mothers‟ empowerment. Mismatch of mothers‟ expectations and the actual experiences, non-breastfeeding friendly work environment and unsupportive co-workers hindered them from feeling fully empowered to exclusively breastfeeding. Conclusion: Holistic strategies should be implemented to continuously enhance and empower working mothers to achieve at least a minimum of six months exclusive breastfeeding once they return to work. This includes provision of dedicated private breastfeeding room and allocated time for pumping of breast milk. Working mothers also required support for their transition from breastfeeding the babies on their breast during the allocated extended maternity leave to different methods of giving expressed breast milk to their babies when they return to work.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on Zika virus infection among pregnant women in Brunei Darussalam by a cross-sectional survey. Methods: Between February and June 2017, we recruited 234 pregnant women from all government healthcare centres at Brunei-Muara district, using a modified systematic sampling approach. A pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire was used and data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: The study participants were mainly Malay (87.2%) and their mean age was 28.0 years. The median knowledge score was 13, out of a possible score of 28. Most participants (92.7%) knew that Zika virus was transmitted by mosquito bites whereas some (34.6%) knew that sexual transmission was also possible. Media (radio, television or newspapers) was the preferred source of updated information on Zika virus, followed by healthcare workers (44.0%), government announcements (43.2%), and social media (38.0%). Pregnant women who were 25 years old or older [Adj. OR=3.62 (95% CI: 1.57, 9.51)], not Malays [Adj. OR=3.32 (95% CI: 1.35, 8.55)], and had an average monthly household income of more than BND $3 000 [Adj. OR=4.06 (95% CI: 1.81, 19.44)] were more likely to score higher for knowledge on Zika virus. The median prevention practice score was 23, out of a possible score of 36. Most participants reported wearing covering clothes (98.3%) and kept their living surroundings clean (99.6%). Most participants (88.0%) agreed that Zika is an important issue in their community. Conclusion: We found a lack of knowledge on Zika virus infection among pregnant women attending government maternal and child healthcare centres in Brunei Darussalam, in particular that Zika virus can be sexually transmitted. Such information could be well disseminated at the healthcare centre level. Health literacy studies should be conducted to understand the facilitators and barriers of KAP on Zika virus infection among pregnant women.

Objective: To investigate the association between leptin levels and body mass index in Bruneian secondary school students. Methods: The body mass index of Bruneian secondary school students (aged 11-18 years) was determined before collecting their saliva using the passive drool technique. Salivary leptin concentration was determined by ELISA. Results: Correlation and partial correlation (controlled for age) analyses showed no significant differences between the levels of salivary leptin of normal weight and overweight students. Conclusions: No significant increase in the salivary leptin concentration was observed in overweight compared with normal weight Bruneian secondary school students.