USM Journal Management System (Univ. Sains Malaysia)
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Determinants of Rehabilitation Follow-up Non-adherence among Stroke Patients in Sibu, Sarawak
No full textBackground: Sarawak’s vast geography, with remote communities and limited transport infrastructure, poses significant challenges for stroke rehabilitation, yet data on patient attrition in rural Borneo remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of stroke survivors referred for rehabilitation at Hospital Sibu and to identify independent predictors of non-adherence at follow-up.
Methods: Inpatient referrals to the Rehabilitation Medicine Department at Hospital Sibu between February 2022 and December 2024 were retrospectively analysed. To avoid competing risk bias, patients who died before their first follow-up were excluded. Factors associated with non-adherence, including functional status, socioeconomic background and travel time, were examined using multivariable binary logistic regression.
Results: The analytic cohort comprised 631 survivors (mean age 56.7 ± 15.1 years). Overall, 50.4% (n = 318) defaulted on their first outpatient appointment. Multivariable analysis identified travel time as the dominant barrier: patients living > 30 minutes from the hospital had a 40-fold higher risk of default (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 39.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.46, 70.58; P < 0.001). Functional dependency also predicted attrition (aOR = 0.98 per Modified Barthel Index point; P < 0.001). Ethnic disparities emerged after adjusting for geography: Chinese ethnicity was associated with lower default risk (aOR = 0.63; P = 0.028), while Melanau ethnicity remained strongly protective (aOR = 0.35; P = 0.001).
Conclusion: Post-stroke rehabilitation attrition in central Sarawak is high (50%). Although functional dependency and ethnicity were significant predictors, geographical inaccessibility is the primary driver of non-adherence. Decentralising care is critical to overcoming this logistical barrier
The Engagement of Jahai Indigenous Pupils in Integrated STEM-EDP Learning through the Kombucha Tea Fermentation
Get PDFThis scholarly work delved into the integral role of engineering in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, particularly focusing on the contemporary emergence of the Engineering Design Process (EDP) within the landscape of science education reform. The EDP is identified as a catalyst for fostering active engagement in science learning, encompassing cognitive, behavioural, and emotional dimensions, though a prevailing lack of information among science teachers regarding its effective application persists. This study investigated the integration of STEM-EDP learning using kombucha tea fermentation aimed to enhance pupils’ engagement, particularly for Orang Asli pupils. The purpose is to bridge modern educational strategies with indigenous traditions to boost engagement and learning outcomes in STEM. A one-group pre-test-post-test design was employed to craft a unified STEM learning experience for Jahai tribe pupils in a rural school within the Royal Belum Rainforest, Perak, Malaysia. The study involved 16 pupils and utilised a STEM Learning Experience Survey and reflective journal to gather data on teacher observations and pupils’ work. Results showed that STEM-EDP Kombucha effectively immersed pupils in the learning process, facilitating a deeper understanding of life processes and the factors influencing microorganism growth and use. Despite its promising outcomes, the study is limited by its small sample size. Nonetheless, it introduces an innovative instructional approach that is uncommon in Malaysian primary schools today. Teachers may use this approach to create a more captivating and engaging educational setting, thereby enhancing pupils\u27 enthusiasm for STEM disciplines
Nurturing Sustainable Learning: Implementing an Interactive Mobile Multimedia Applications (IMMAS) Training Program for Special Education Teachers to Enhance Inclusive Pedagogical Innovation
Get PDFGlobally, inclusive teacher training is a cornerstone of equitable education, yet many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face challenges in preparing teachers to integrate technology into diverse classrooms. This study examines the impact of the Interactive Mobile Multimedia Applications (IMMAS) training program, an eight-week blended professional development initiative for 10 Malaysian special education teachers. Designed around Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, IMMAS aimed to build teachers’ digital capacity, transform professional identity, and promote sustainable instructional innovation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, weekly reflective journals, and multimedia lesson portfolios, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: (1) a pedagogical shift toward learner-centred, multimodal lesson design; (2) transformation of teacher identity, with participants increasingly viewing themselves as content creators and mentors; and (3) sustainability through reusability of digital resources and grassroots peer collaboration. Findings demonstrate that mobile multimedia training can operationalise UDL principles, foster teacher self-efficacy, and establish school-based ecosystems of innovation. This study contributes new evidence from Southeast Asia to global discussions on inclusive education and educational technology, complementing top-down models in OECD countries with a cost-effective, grassroots-driven approach. IMMAS aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, emphasising equity and quality in education, and offers a scalable model for teacher development in resource-constrained settings. Future research should explore long-term sustainability and integration with national policies to scale this innovation
The Influence of Happiness on the Balance of Positive and Negative Emotions among Indonesian University Students: Implications for Educators
Get PDFThis study aims to evaluate the impact of happiness on the balance between positive and negative emotions among Indonesian university students. A total of 619 university students participated in this research, and data were collected using the Indonesian version of the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ-I) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to evaluate the measurement and structural models. The measurement model demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties, indicating that the instruments yielded reliable and valid measurements in this study. The findings showed that happiness positively predicted positive affect (? = .714, p < .001) and negatively predicted negative affect (? = –.494, p < .001). The model explained a substantial amount of variance in both constructs (R² = .51 and .22, respectively). These results suggest that higher levels of happiness are associated with a more favourable affective balance among students. While this study contributes to our understanding of emotional well-being in higher education, its interpretation should consider several limitations. These include gender imbalance in the sample, reliance on purposive sampling from only two faculties, and exclusive use of self-report measures. Future research could address these limitations by using more diverse samples and longitudinal designs to clarify the dynamics of happiness and affective balance in different cultural and academic contexts
Caffeine Prolongs Survivability And Significantly Modulates Cytokine Levels of TNF-a, IFN-, IL-18 and IL-10 in Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected ICR Mice (Early view)
Get PDFCaffeine, a bioactive compound in Theobroma cacao, exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory property. Malaria is an inflammatory-related disease caused by Plasmodium spp. Severe infection of this disease can cause cerebral malaria, which is characterized by neuroinflammation. An in vitro study of caffeine suggested that it possesses anti-malarial property. However, caffeine’s potential in both anti-malarial and cytokine-modulating properties through in vivo have yet to be explored. This study investigated anti-malarial and cytokine-modulating effects of caffeine in P. berghei ANKA-infected ICR mice. Anti-malarial activity of caffeine at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg body weight were given via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and the chemosuppressive percentage (percentage of parasitemia inhibition) was calculated based on Peter and Robinsons (1992). In addition, the cytokine-modulating effect was determined using the ELISA method. Chemosuppressive test at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg b.w. of caffeine in the P. berghei ANKA-infected ICR mice exhibited 64.18 ± 9.17, 39.93 ± 5.63, and 21.86 ± 5.57%, respectively. Notably, the lowest concentration, 5 mg/kg b.w. of caffeine was able to prolong significantly (p < 0.05) the survivability of malaria-infected ICR mice for 17 days as compared to infected mice (12 days). This effective dose of caffeine revealed a significant reduction in cytokine levels of TNF- α, IFN- g, IL-18, and IL-10 by 1.08-, 1.12-, 1.12-, and 1.15-folds as compared to malaria-infected mice. Collectively, 5 mg/kg b.w. of caffeine exhibited good chemosuppressive, modulated levels of inflammatory cytokines and prolonged survivability of P. berghei ANKA-infected ICR mice. Hence, caffeine can be a plausible candidate for the development of anti-malarial therapeutic drugs
Prevalence of Myopia in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Malaysian Prevalence Studies
No full textBackground: Myopia is a common eye problem that has increased in prevalence worldwide, including in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of myopia among children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years in Malaysia and its associated sociodemographic factors.
Methods: The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline were used in this study. We searched PubMed and Scopus, supplemented by a targeted Google Scholar search, for studies published from 1990 to 2024 on the prevalence of myopia in Malaysia. Myopia was defined as a refractive error ≥ –0.50 D.
Results: The meta-analysis included 14 quality-assessed studies from seven states in Malaysia, covering 13,367 children and adolescents. The overall pooled prevalence of childhood myopia from 1990 to 2024 was 17.18% (95% CI: 9.98, 25.86). The prevalence of myopia was notably lower among children aged 0 to 6 years at 2.54% (95% CI: 0.66, 5.60) than among children aged 7 to 12 years at 26.48% (95% CI: 17.29, 36.84) and adolescents aged 13 to 18 years at 42.71% (95% CI: 26.80, 59.44). The prevalence of myopia was higher in females than in males (odds ratio: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.32). The Chinese population had the highest prevalence of myopia at 44.62% (95% CI: 35.94, 53.47) compared with other ethnicities.
Conclusion: Our findings indicate that at least four in 10 children and adolescents aged 13 to 18 years are likely to have myopia in Malaysia. Targeted clinical and public health interventions should prioritise high-risk groups, particularly females, individuals of Chinese ethnicity, and those aged 7 to 18 years
Predictors of Formaldehyde-related Adverse Symptoms Among Laboratory Users in a University in Malaysian Borneo
No full textBackground: Formaldehyde exposure in university laboratories poses significant health risks to students and staff. Understanding the prevalence of adverse symptoms and associated factors is essential for guiding preventive measures. This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of formaldehyde-related adverse symptoms among students and laboratory staff at a university in Malaysian Borneo.
Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a validated self-administered questionnaire capturing sociodemographic characteristics, medical and allergy history, exposure frequency, and control measures. Data were analysed using bivariable logistic regression, and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors.
Results: Among 157 respondents, 34.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.0, 42.4) reported formaldehyde-related adverse symptoms. The most common complaints were headaches/dizziness (19.1%), unusual tiredness or drowsiness (12.1%), and stress/irritability (7.0%). Five independent predictors were identified: female gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.56; 95% CI: 1.26, 10.10), age ≥ 30 years (aOR: 9.08; 95% CI: 2.33, 35.35), and a history of allergy (aOR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.09, 7.25). Higher exposure frequency markedly increased symptom risk, with fortnightly (aOR: 7.76; 95% CI: 2.31, 26.09) and weekly formaldehyde handling (aOR: 3.32; 95% CI: 1.05, 10.52) associated with significantly higher odds than monthly exposure. Face mask use showed a strong protective effect (aOR: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.10).
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of formaldehyde exposure symptoms, particularly among older individuals, women, individuals with allergy, and frequent handlers, strengthening control measures—particularly consistent mask use and reduction of exposure frequency—should be prioritised to minimise risks in university laboratory settings
Factors Influencing STEM Self-Efficacy Among Primary School Pupils: A Gender Comparison
Get PDFThis study examines the influence of gender-related beliefs on STEM self-efficacy among primary school pupils in Malaysia, a context shaped by cultural diversity and hierarchical norms. While gender gaps in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are often associated with early-formed stereotypes and mindsets, their specific influence on children’s STEM self-efficacy remains under-explored, particularly in Southeast Asian settings. This study compares male and female pupils’ gender stereotypes in STEM, male-power stereotype, perceptions of STEM, growth mindset, and STEM self-efficacy. It also investigates whether the relationships between these factors and STEM self-efficacy differ by gender. A quantitative comparative design was employed, involving 415 primary school pupils aged 8–9 years (Year 2–3). Five instruments were used; the Gender Stereotypes Measure, Gender-Power Attribution Task, Self-Perception Scale in STEM, Growth Mindset Sub-scale from the Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale for Children (ITIS), and the Self-Efficacy Scale in STEM. Data were analysed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), Chi-square tests of independence, and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that male pupils held stronger gender stereotypes in STEM, while no significant gender differences were found in other variables. Regression analysis showed that a growth mindset and positive perceptions of STEM were significant predictors of STEM self-efficacy. Gender stereotypes in STEM had a weaker but statistically significant positive effect, while male-power stereotype were not significant. Gender does not significantly moderate the relationships between the predictors and STEM self-efficacy. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening growth mindsets and fostering positive perceptions of STEM to support self-efficacy among pupils of both genders. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing STEM self-efficacy and offer implications for addressing gender disparities in STEM education
Mpox: Transmission Insights, Pathogenesis, and Emerging Therapeutics (Early view)
Get PDFIntroduction: Mpox is a re-emerging zoonotic disease that has experienced a global resurgence. Contributing factors include discontinuing smallpox vaccination and climate change-related events, such as species migration and the urbanization of forest areas. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of related literature was conducted. This literature review covers topics on the transmission routes of the monkeypox virus, infection control, diagnosis, treatment, and potential new technologies or ethnopharmaceuticals to inhibit infection. Results: This review paper is divided into four major parts: (1) transmission pathways: airborne and contact routes of respiratory pathogens, (2) mpox diagnosis: from clinical presentation to laboratory testing, (3) pathogenesis of mpox and interaction with other co-existing diseases, and (4) mpox prevention and treatment strategies. The last section is divided into subsections: vaccine, antivirals, and exploring alternative approaches against mpox. The alternative approaches cover topics on the application of nanotechnology and plant-based therapies. The paper concludes with a discussion of future directions for mpox. Conclusion: Research on mpox underscores the urgent need for improved diagnostics, treatment evaluation, and prevention strategies. The current outbreak highlights gaps in our understanding of the virus, particularly its transmission dynamics and the long-term efficacy of existing therapies. Advancing research into alternative treatments, such as nanotechnology and medicinal plants, alongside enhanced global surveillance and rapid response systems, will mitigate future outbreaks and improve public health outcomes
Surveillance of Zoonotic Pathogens and Taxonomic Identification of Non-volant Small Mammals in Peninsular Malaysia (Early view)
Get PDFMalaysia’s tropical rainforests host a rich biodiversity, including various non-volant small mammals. Among these, murid rodents (family Muridae) are ecologically significant and frequently associated with zoonotic pathogens, making them important subjects for public health research. In recent years, treeshrews (family Tupaiidae), small omnivorous mammals once grouped with primates, have also gained increasing scientific attention due to their unique evolutionary position and emerging role in disease ecology. Rapid species identification is vital for effective surveillance, particularly in the context of emerging infectious diseases. In this study, PCR amplification targeting mitochondrial and nuclear DNA regions was performed using a range of primers, followed by Sanger sequencing to validate the amplicons. Among the primers tested, mcb398 and mcb869, targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, proved most effective, yielding consistent amplification and high-quality sequences for both rodents and treeshrews. Besides, 22 animals were captured and screened for selected zoonotic pathogens. Paramyxoviruses, coronaviruses, picornaviruses, orthoreoviruses, and dengue viruses were not detected in the faecal samples of rats, Asian house shrews, and palm civets. However, mammalian orthoreovirus type 3 and dengue virus serotype 2 were detected in one and three faecal samples from treeshrews, respectively. Notably, Tupaia sp. m ZYS-2025, detected in this study, may represent a novel species that has not known to science previously