A Review of Substance Abuse Research in Malaysia

This is a review of research done in the area of substance abuse in Malaysia. There were 109 articles related to substance abuse found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. Only 39 articles were reviewed, and case series, case report, reviews and reports were excluded. Research reviewed include the epidemiology of substance abuse, genetics, treatment and its relation to health behaviour, and health management. Studies have shown that more males than females use drugs. There was also a high prevalence of blood-bourne virus diseases and sexually transmitted diseases among drug users. Two studies showed some genetic polymorphism (Cyp 3a4 gene and FAAH Pro129Thr) among heroin and amphetamine users respectively that may contribute to drug dependence. Study on pharmacological treatment for substance abuse were limited to methadone and it was shown to improve the quality of life of heroin dependant patients. Alternative treatments such as acupunture and spiritual approach play a role in the management of substance abuse. Data also showed that treatment centres for substance abuse are lacking facilities for screening, assessment and treatment for medical illness related to substance use, e.g. Hepatitis C and tuberculosis. Studies on the effectiveness of current drug rehabilitation centres were inconclusive.

Prevalence of postpartum depression in a hospital setting among Malaysian mothers.

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a disorder that affects not only mothers, but also can lead to family, social, economic and vocational breakdown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with postpartum depression among mothers in an urban hospital setting in Malaysia. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, mothers attending routine visits at six to eight weeks postpartum at a postnatal clinic were assessed on socio-demographic data, obstetric history, social support, breastfeeding status and psychiatric history. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) was administered to establish a diagnosis of postpartum depression. RESULTS: A total of 411 subjects participated in the study. The prevalence rate of postpartum depression was 6.8%. Univariate analysis found that being a housewife, having a cesarian section, low social support, family history of depression, previous history of depression and non-exclusive breastfeeding were significantly associated with postpartum depression. Predictors for postpartum depression were non-exclusive breastfeeding (P < 0.01, OR = 23.7, 95% CI 3.1-179.7) and previous history of depression (P < 0.05, OR = 82.3, 95% CI 1.2-5897.6). DISCUSSION: The prevalence rate of postpartum depression in urban Malaysian mothers was comparable to the rates in other countries. Mothers who did no exclusively breast feeding their babies appeared to have more risk for postpartum depression. Therefore, screening for depression should become a routine during postpartum period and mothers must be encouraged to exclusively breastfeed their babies.