Does caesarean section have an impact on exclusive breastfeeding? Evidence from four Southeast Asian countries.

Background: The effect of caesarean section (CS) on breastfeeding initiation has been extensively studied, but its influence on exclusive breastfeeding practices remains inconclusive. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of CS on exclusive breastfeeding using evidence from four countries in the Southeast Asian region.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used secondary data obtained from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 2016 and 2022 in four countries within the Southeast Asian Region.

Etiology, Clinical Profiles, and Outcomes of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome Cases Admitted to a Tertiary Care Center in Myanmar in 2023.

Background/objectives: The diagnosis of encephalitis is a challenging problem due to the heterogeneity of clinical presentations. The objective was to determine the etiology, clinical features, laboratory parameters, radiological findings, and in-hospital outcome of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) cases in Myanmar.

Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted at the Neuromedical Ward of Yangon General Hospital from March to August 2023.

Ownership and use of insecticide-treated nets in Myanmar: insights from a nationally representative demographic and health survey.

Background: Malaria poses a substantial public health threat in Myanmar, indicating the need for rigorous efforts to achieve elimination of the disease nationwide by 2030. The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) forms part of a pivotal strategy for preventing transmission. This study explored the ownership and use of ITNs in Myanmar and identified factors associated with non-use of ITNs.

Socioeconomic inequalities in skilled attendance at birth and caesarean section rates in Myanmar 2015-2016: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This study aims to assess inequalities in skilled birth attendance and utilisation of caesarean section (CS) in Myanmar.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study design.

Setting And Population: We used secondary data from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (2015-2016).

School-based comprehensive sexuality education for prevention of adolescent pregnancy: a scoping review.

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is a global public health problem. Numerous approaches for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) delivery in schools have been implemented around the world. Previous reviews on CSE did not follow the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education (ITGSE) because CSE is very diverse in terms of population, interventions, settings and outcomes.

Determinants of correct knowledge on tuberculosis transmission and self-reported tuberculosis prevalence among general population aged 15-49 years in Myanmar.

Introduction: Myanmar has been identified as one of the tuberculosis (TB) high-burden countries and having an understanding of TB transmission is vital for personal infection prevention as well as preventing transmission to others. This study aimed to identify the determinants of correct knowledge on TB transmission and self-reported TB prevalence among general population in Myanmar.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using secondary data from Myanmar demographic and health survey 2015-16.

Early postnatal care contact within 24 hours by skilled providers and its determinants among home deliveries in Myanmar: Further analysis of the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16.

Background: Access and use of early postnatal care (PNC) by skilled providers are crucial for reducing maternal and newborn deaths. However, use of PNC among the deliveries by skilled providers in some developing countries remains unsatisfactory. Furthermore, literature concerning PNC among home deliveries remains limited, particularly in resource-limited countries such as Myanmar.

Feasibility and readiness to implement Robson classification to monitor caesarean sections in public hospitals in Myanmar: Formative research.

Recent years have demonstrated an increase in caesarean section (CS) in most countries worldwide with considerable concern for the potential consequences. In 2015, WHO proposed the use of Robson classification as a global standard for assessing, monitoring and comparing CS rates. Currently, there is no standardized method to assess CS in Myanmar.

Fentanyl for labour pain management: a scoping review.

Background: Labour pain has been identified as an important reason for women to prefer caesarean section (CS). Fentanyl is one of the short acting opioids recommended by World Health Organization for pain relief during labour. This study aimed to identify and describe the available evidence on the use of fentanyl (monotherapy) for labour pain management by any routes of administration or regime.

Utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets among pregnant women in Myanmar-analysis of the 2015-2016 Demographic and Health Survey.

Background: Due to the effectiveness of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), most malaria-endemic countries resort to free distributions in the population with particular attention to pregnant women, a more vulnerable group. However, the mere issuance of ITNs does not usually translate to proper utilization. This study aimed to examine the utilization of ITNs and its associated factors among pregnant women in Myanmar.

Perception of the risk of tobacco use in pregnancy and factors associated with tobacco use in rural areas of Myanmar.

Introduction: Tobacco use is recognized as the most important preventable risk factor for pregnancy complications and undesirable fetal outcomes. This study examined the reported prevalence of tobacco use among married men and women residing in rural areas, and their knowledge on the risks of tobacco use during pregnancy and the factors associated with tobacco use.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted within 32 villages in the delta region of Myanmar, randomly selected through multistage sampling procedure by using a pre-tested structured questionnaire during 2016.

A qualitative study on acceptability of the mistreatment of women during childbirth in Myanmar.

Background: Improving the quality of maternal health care is critical to reduce mortality and improve women's experiences. Mistreatment during childbirth in health facilities can be an important barrier for women when considering facility-based childbirth. Therefore, this study attempted to explore the acceptability of mistreatment during childbirth in Myanmar according to women and healthcare providers, and to understand how gender power relations influence mistreatment during childbirth.

HIV Testing among General Population with Sexually Transmitted Infection: Findings from Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (2015-16).

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing and counseling is recommended for people with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). In Myanmar, HIV testing and its predictors among those with STI in general population is unknown.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using secondary data from Myanmar demographic and health survey 2015-16.

Reported measles cases, measles-related deaths and measles vaccination coverage in Myanmar from 2014 to 2018.

Background: There is a global resurgence of measles, consequent upon worldwide stagnating measles vaccination coverage. The study aim was to document trends and characteristics of reported cases of measles, measles-related deaths, and measles vaccination coverage (MCV1-first dose of measles-containing vaccine and MCV2-second dose of measles-containing vaccine) at national and sub-national level in Myanmar over a five year period between 2014 and 2018.

Methods: This was a descriptive study using routine data collected and submitted to the Expanded Programme on Immunization.

Knowledge of potential risk of blood-borne viral infections and tattooing practice among adults in Mandalay Region, Myanmar.

Introduction: Tattooing especially gains popularity among both men and women in adulthood from the wide range of socioeconomic groups and is noted as a risk taking behaviour in adults. Especially when tattooing does not perform to the highest standards, it can potentially be the hazardous practice. Myanmar has a paucity of evidence-based information on the estimated prevalence of tattoos and awareness of potential disease transmission from tattooing under insanitary conditions as well as the infection risk.