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Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health threat to people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aimed to identify the characteristics, unsuccessful TB treatment rate, and determinants of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome among patients with TB-HIV coinfection in Kuala Lumpur. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study. The data of all patients with TB-HIV in the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur from 2013 to 2017 were collected and reviewed. The data were retrieved from the national database (TB Information System) at the Kuala Lumpur Health Department from 1 March 2018 to 31 May 2018. Results. Out of 235 randomly selected patients with TB-HIV, TB treatment outcome was successful in 57.9% (cured and completed treatment) and unsuccessful in 42.1% (died, failed, or lost to follow-up). Patients who did not receive DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course) (adjusted odds ratio: 21.71; 95% confidence interval: 5.36–87.94) and those who received shorter treatment duration of <6 months (aOR: 34.54; 95% CI: 5.97–199.93) had higher odds for unsuccessful TB treatment outcome. Conclusions. Nearly half of the patients with TB-HIV had unsuccessful TB treatment outcome. Therefore, it is important to ensure that such patients receive DOTS and continuous TB treatment of >6 months. It is crucial to strengthen and widen the coverage of DOTS, especially among high-risk groups, in healthcare settings. Strict follow-up by healthcare providers is needed for patients with TB-HIV to gain treatment adherence and for better rates of successful TB treatment.

Taboos and traditions refer to myths and non-scientific practices held by people across the world. A variety of taboos are practiced worldwide (including those relating to food, religious, and sexual beliefs), including in Malaysia. Most of the taboos that concern the postpartum period are related to postpartum physiological, emotional, and family dynamic changes. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the traditions and taboos practised among postpartum mothers in Malaysia, and to consider the purpose and health impact of their practice. A systematic search of journals in Malaysia was conducted using eight major databases: Scopus, Ovid Medline, Science Direct, SAGE, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost. Articles from all journals published between 2013 and 2018 were assessed through the PRISMA checklist. From 17,945 papers screened, seven papers were selected for critical analysis using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (2018). It was found that in Malaysia, certain postpartum traditions, including food taboos and behavioural and physical restrictions were conducted with the aim of maintaining the well-being of mother and baby, and to improve the healing process. Some of the practices were found to be irrelevant, whilst others had beneficial health impacts. Based on this review, the practice of certain taboos and traditions during the postpartum period was found to have both advantages and disadvantages. A rational approach is needed to weigh the practice against maternal safety and health. Thus, healthcare personnel should be sensitive to the role of taboos and traditions in the postpartum care of patients. The practice of traditions and taboos should be monitored for safe practice, along with a need for communitybased education to avoid any unwanted issues as a result of its practice.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health threat to people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aimed to identify the characteristics, unsuccessful TB treatment rate and determinants of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome among patients with TB-HIV co-infection in Kuala Lumpur.Methods This was a cross-sectional study. The data of all patients with TB-HIV in the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur from 2013 to 2017 were collected and reviewed. The data were retrieved from the national database (TB Information System) at the Kuala Lumpur Health Department from 1 March 2018 to 31 May 2018.Results Out of 235 randomly selected patients with TB-HIV, TB treatment outcome was successful in 57.9% (cured and completed treatment) and unsuccessful in 42.1% (died, failed or defaulted treatment). Patients who did not receive DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 21.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.36–87.94) and those who received shorter treatment duration of <6 months (aOR 34.54; 95% CI: 5.97–199.93) had higher odds for unsuccessful TB treatment outcome.Conclusions Nearly half of the patients with TB-HIV had unsuccessful TB treatment outcome. Therefore, it is important to ensure that such patients receive DOTS and continuous TB treatment of >6 months. It is crucial to strengthen and widen the coverage of DOTS, especially among high-risk groups, in healthcare settings. Strict follow-up by healthcare providers is needed for patients with TB-HIV to gain treatment adherence and for better rates of successful TB treatment.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health threat to people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) is one of many efforts done as part of ending TB, in which all confirmed TB sputum smear positive cases properly given treatment and monitored by the healthcare providers or family members to ensure treatment adherence. This study aimed to identify the characteristics, to determine the rate of unsuccessful TB treatment rate and to determine determinants of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome among patients with TB-HIV co-infection in Kuala Lumpur.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The data of all patients with TB-HIV co-infection in the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur from 2013 to 2017 were collected and reviewed. The data were retrieved from the national database (TB Information System) at the Kuala Lumpur Health Department from 1 March 2018 to 31 May 2018.Results: Out of 235 randomly selected patients with TB-HIV co-infection, TB treatment outcome was successful in 57.9% (cured and completed treatment) and unsuccessful in 42.1% (died, failed or defaulted treatment). Patients who did not receive DOTS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 21.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.36–87.94) and those who received shorter treatment duration of <6 months (aOR 34.54; 95% CI: 5.97–199.93) had higher odds for unsuccessful TB treatment outcome.Conclusions: Nearly half of the patients with TB-HIV co-infection had unsuccessful TB treatment outcome. Therefore, it is important to ensure that such patients receive DOTS and continuous TB treatment of >6 months. It is crucial to strengthen and widen the coverage of DOTS, especially among high-risk groups, in healthcare settings. Strict follow-up by healthcare providers is needed for patients with TB-HIV co-infection to gain treatment adherence and for better rates of successful TB treatment.