Introduction:The benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants are widely recognised. Breastfeeding confirms a woman's unique ability to care for her infant in the best way possible and promotes optimum infant and maternal health. Methods: A qualitative research method involving five focus group discussions (n=33) was chosen in this study to compare and contrast the breastfeeding practice in two different locations: the communities of Pos Pulat and the regroupment scheme settlement at Rancangan Pengumpulan Semula (RPS) Kuala Betis in Kelantan, Malaysia which represents different lifestyle experiences of indigenous Temiar population. Results: The benefits of breastfeeding to the infants reported by some Temiar women (42.4%) were for the infant's health and growth. Responses from urban RPS Kuala Betis women include breast milk contains antibodies (3.0%), delays in the return of regular ovulation (6.1%), thus lengthening birth intervals and bonding between maternal-baby (6.1%). In general, respondents from Pos Pulat seemed to have little knowledge regarding this issue, except for a woman who mentioned that maternal milk contains vitamins. Based on the narrative analysis, knowledge gap was observed between these two communities. Conclusion: Although all the women interviewed had the experience of breastfeeding their infants, most of them lacked the knowledge regarding the benefits of the breastfeeding either to the infants or to the mothers. The findings from this study are crucial for the preservation of breastfeeding culture among the Temiar women and can be used to improve promotion of breastfeeding to other Orang Asli groups in Malaysia.
Breast cancer is the commonest type of cancer among Malaysian women. This study aimed to determine the associated factors for breast cancer occurrence among Malaysian women. A case-control study was conducted at primary cancer referral centre in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia from January 2014 to August 2015. Untreated breast cancer (n=55) were assigned as cases compared to healthy controls (n=58). Sociodemographic and reproductive data were collected using a standardized questionnaire while dietary data was obtained using validated diet history questionnaires (DHQ). Anthropometric assessments (weight, height, hip, waist circumference (WC) and body fat composition) were recorded. Overnight fasting venous blood samples were analysed for glucose levels, insulin, high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin and lipid profiles. Simple logistic regression showed factors associated with breast cancer risk include age, lower education level, lower monthly household income and exposure to secondary smoke (sociodemographic factors), pulse rate, the use of more than one year of traditional medicine, systolic, and diastolic blood pressures (physical examination and reproductive factors) as well as WC, HDL cholesterol, TG, blood glucose, and sugar intake (nutritional status) were investigated. Multiple logistic regression showed factors associated with breast cancer risk included exposure to a second-hand smoke (OR=10.00, (95% CI: 2.42, 41.30)), low monthly household income (OR=18.05, (95% CI: 2.56, 127.10)) and high systolic blood pressure (OR=1.08, (95% CI: 1.04, 1.12)). Exposure to second-hand smoke, low monthly household income and high systolic blood pressures are predictors to breast cancer among Malaysian women.
Empowerment of women pertaining to breastfeeding gives women the ability to act and the right to do so. Breastfeeding confirms a woman's power to control her own body and a woman's unique ability to care for her infant in the best way possible. Empowerment of mothers will help protect or restore breastfeeding cultures around the world. A qualitative research method involving 15 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were chosen in this study to compare and contrast two different locations: the communities of Pos Tuel and Pos Brooke in Kelantan, Malaysia which represent different lifestyle experiences of indigenous Temiar people. Analysis of participants' descriptions led to the emergence of four main categories: knowledge and skills pertaining to breastfeeding, maternal satisfaction and enjoyment in breastfeeding, family belief in the value of breastfeeding, and breastfeeding support from surrounding people. The findings from this study are crucial in the preservation of breastfeeding culture among the women and can be used to design comprehensive plans in promoting breastfeeding among other indigenous groups.
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