Infant mental health in Malaysia

Abstract

The Infant Mental Health system in Malaysia is described, beginning with cultural and religious practices that influence mental health practices. Second, a description of the Malaysian mental health system, including historical influences, is given. Third, policy and services for young children with mental health problems are described. Finally, recommendations for future steps for developing an effective infant mental health system are presented, including the development of infant mental health policies by the government, increased personnel training, increased community mental health resources, integration of culture into the mental health system, and finally, development of appropriate screening and assessment instruments and systems.

Affiliate Stigma, Resilience and Quality of Life among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Two Public Hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia

“…In Malaysia, facilities available to children with ASD are limited in rural areas ( 30 ). Thus, parents at times seek treatment from private services.…”

University Students’ Notion of Autism Spectrum Conditions: A Cross-Cultural Study

“…This might be related to stigma and mental healthcare in Malaysia. Up until recent years, there has been considerable stigma about mental health in Malaysia (Toran et al 2011). Moreover, mental health care facilities are often either only accessible for the more fortunate, or have long wait lists (Neik et al 2014).…”

“…While in Western cultures standing out from the crowd is encouraged, in Asia, children are expected to be quiet, disciplined, not make waves or inconvenience others (Kim et al 1999). Deviating from the norm, such as behavioural or psychological problems, is less accepted, is expected to be handled within the family (Toran et al 2011), and might be blamed on the family. Moreover, people are expected to resolve psychological problems on their own (Kim et al 1999).…”

“…People who are lower educated might stigmatise more as compared to higher educated people (Milačić-Vidojević et al 2014). Moreover, knowledge and beliefs might be different when people are from rural areas, and from a lower socioeconomic background (Toran et al 2011).…”

“…Besides the obvious location of the countries (Southeast Asian vs Western European), the economy is rather different. The UK is considered a developed country, and Malaysian economy is rapidly developing (Toran et al 2011). Furthermore, the UK is individualistic; Malaysia is collectivistic (Tafarodi and Smith 2001).…”