Labisia pumila (Kacip Fatimah) is a traditional herb commonly used by Malay women during peripartum period to make the process of childbirth easier and also during postpartum period to improve general condition of mother. Earlier research on Labisia pumila showed that it has estrogenic-like effect. This randomized, placebo controlled study was designed to look at the safety profile of Labisia pumila water extract on postmenopausal women. Pre-study screening and assessment was done and if subject is eligible, informed consent taken and baseline investigation was taken including hematological, liver and renal function, chest x-ray, ECG, mammography and pap smear. The study duration was six month and all participants were required to come for visit every two month. During each visit participants were asked regarding any side effects of medication or occurrence of per vaginal bleeding. Vital signs, body mass index and waist hip ratio were measured on every visit. On visit 4 or last visit, all blood investigations, chest x- ray, ECG and pap smear were repeated. As a conclusion we found that Labisia pumila water extract was safe for consumption.

Major health problem amongst the elderly are falls. Diabetic is associated with an increased risk of falling and greater risks of disabilities related to mobility and daily tasks among elderly people.The objectives of this study are to assess the prevalence of fall and its associated factors among elderly diabetes type 2 attending outpatient clinics Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia(HUSM).A total of 286 elderly were interviewed using structured questionnaire which consist of baseline data and medical history. A clinical and functional assessment was carried out following the interview. The prevalence of fall and recurrent fallers are 18.9% and 13.6% respectively. Younger age (p

The mood disorders which affect newly delivered women range from a relatively short but emotionally labile time, popularly called the "blues," to a serious psychiatric disorder requiring specialized treatment. Recent studies show that 10 - 15 % of women suffered from Postnatal Depression. Mood disorders following childbirth are not confined to Western societies, and have been recognized worldwide and throughout history. In Malaysia and Asia at large, pregnant and confined mothers are always accorded important roles and demand significant attention from families and society. In Malaysia, motherhood marks a transitional period in the women's life, and provision is made for her to be treated differently, usually for a period of about six weeks. It is postulated that these ritual and cultural practices have protective effect against developing Postnatal Depression. This book is the first interdisciplinary reader focusing on the burden of depression in pregnancy and puerperium (in particular postnatal depression) and study the influence of socio-cultural practices with Postnatal Depression in Malaysia.

Depression among elderly primary care patients is a serious problem with significant morbidity and mortality, yet it is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of major depression and its associated risk factors among the elderly patients, age 60 and above attending outpatient clinic, Klinik Rawatan Keluarga at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. This study utilized M-GDS-14, the translated and validated version of GDS-15, to screen for elderly depression among Malaysian population. Out of 244 subjects, 34 or 13.9% were found to have depression. Elderly patient with any illness that limits the patient's activity or mobility has more risk of developing depression (OR 2.68 CI 1.15 - 6.24). Elderly patients who were satisfied with their personal incomes (OR 0.29 CI 0.10 - 0.85), and who had children or son/daughter-in-law to take care of them when they are sick (OR 0.10 CI 0.01 - 0.83) have a lower chance of having depression. Screening the elderly for depression, would help in diagnosing the elderly depression better and offer them the treatment needed.