Socio-demographic profile and family planning practices among Sarawak Penan women

Introduction The Penan tribe of Sarawak represents one of the last native tribes in Malaysia that practises feral lifestyle. Current information on maternal health among the Penan community is lacking partly because of limited resources and geographical challenges of accessing Penan settlements.

Aim This study aimed to establish baseline socio-demographic information and family planning practices among Penan women in Ulu Baram, Miri, Sarawak.

Methodology A cross-sectional survey across five Penan villages in Ulu Baram. A 4-day expedition: 6-9 March 2020. 75 female Penan adults above 18 years old were recruited.

Results [Refer to Poster].

Discussion and Conclusion Use of contraception in family planning is associated with women’s age and education level. • Provision of education and reproductive health information should be strengthened among the marginalised rural Penans to ensure accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services as part of the Sustainable Development goal for 2030.