Field of interest - Survey research, socio-economics, economic statistics, agricultural economics Address: Faculty of Science and Natural Resources UMS Road 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Tor tambroides is one of the precious native freshwater species in Malaysia and is known for its ... more Tor tambroides is one of the precious native freshwater species in Malaysia and is known for its luscious taste. However, its wild population has dwindled due to anthropogenic disturbances. These environmental changes may lead to variable morphological features over time. Thus, morphological features with conventional and truss network measurements are essential to apply and support fish species documentation. A total of 39 fish specimens were randomly collected from Sarawak and the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (ECPM). The appearance of the fish was macroscopically observed and then photographed for further morphometric assessment by conventional and truss network measurements using Digimizer Software Version 5.3. Data were subjected to discriminant function (DF) analyses and Kruskal-Wallis H Test. Significant differences were observed in 18 of 19 morphological measurements, and all 12 truss network measurements among the specimens. Both morphometric measurements showed two DF analyses where the DF1 is 93.1% and 6.9% in DF2 among group variability. The DF plotting proves that measurements were significantly different among regions. The specimens from Sarawak have a broader head depth, whereas those from ECPM have an aerodynamic body size. According to statistical analysis, the morphometric features of Sarawak and the ECPM are significantly different due to geographical separation and different environments. These morphometric data could provide a supporting strategy for further conservation and fisheries management.
The oil palm industry is a major contributor in the export of Malaysian agriculture. The National... more The oil palm industry is a major contributor in the export of Malaysian agriculture. The National Agriculture Policy (1992 – 2010) included beef production through integration as an important strategy to increase national beef output and to achieve the self-sufficiency level. Therefore,the main objective of this study was to investigate the perception of oil palm estate managers towards the integration between oil palm and cattle and towards factors which causing the slow implementation of the integration in Malaysia.A survey method through self-completion questionnaire was used in collecting the required data from the managers which consist of managers, assistant managers, supervisors and also owners of the selected oil palm estates in Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 60 respondents were selected by using simple random sampling method and 15 of them were managing the oil palm estate which implementing the oil palm-cattle integration. The data gathered was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Factor analysis revealed that there were two main components of perception of the respondents on the oil palm-cattle integration. And factor analysis also identified that there were two main factors that causing the slow implementation of the oil palm-cattle integration based on the respondents' perception which are internal factor and external factor. An independent samples t-test showed that there was a significant different in the perception on the internal factor between the respondents who managing the estate which implementing the oil palm-cattle integration and the respondents who managing the estate which not implementing the integration. The study concludes that the government needs to plan a good strategy in promoting the oil palm-cattle integration by taking into account all the internal as well as external factors which could cause the slow implementation of the oil palm-cattle integration in Malaysia
Pineapple which is scientifically known as Ananas comosus and locally recognized as nanas is one ... more Pineapple which is scientifically known as Ananas comosus and locally recognized as nanas is one of the well-known tropical fruits besides banana, mango and papaya. This unique fruit is being cultivated extensively in many parts of the world including Malaysia and commonly consumed fresh or in processed form. In Malaysia, the related agencies had been implementing various development activities to uplift the pineapple industry in the country. These included in activities to help the small-scale pineapple farmers in improving their income level. Socioeconomic characteristics of farmers have been proven to give significant impacts on their income and productivity. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between socioeconomic factors, income and productivity of pineapple farmers in Samarahan, Sarawak. The survey was conducted from July to August 2012 with total of 55 respondents using structured questionnaire as the research instrument. Both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were involved in this study. Factor analysis was used to identify the main factors affecting the productivity of the respondents based on 21 Likert-scaled items used in this study. The factor analysis revealed that there were two factors affecting their productivity which are input and awareness factor and farm background factor. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the land size factor or specifically, the total area of pineapple farming was the only factor identified having significant effect on the monthly income of pineapple farmers in Samarahan (B=.492, p<.05). The study has successfully analyzed the relationship between socioeconomic factors, income and productivity of paddy farmers in the studied area. These findings could be used as a baseline data by the relevant parties or agencies involve in the development of pineapple industry in improving the pineapple farmers' productivity and income.
Tor tambroides is one of the precious native freshwater species in Malaysia and is known for its ... more Tor tambroides is one of the precious native freshwater species in Malaysia and is known for its luscious taste. However, its wild population has dwindled due to anthropogenic disturbances. These environmental changes may lead to variable morphological features over time. Thus, morphological features with conventional and truss network measurements are essential to apply and support fish species documentation. A total of 39 fish specimens were randomly collected from Sarawak and the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (ECPM). The appearance of the fish was macroscopically observed and then photographed for further morphometric assessment by conventional and truss network measurements using Digimizer Software Version 5.3. Data were subjected to discriminant function (DF) analyses and Kruskal-Wallis H Test. Significant differences were observed in 18 of 19 morphological measurements, and all 12 truss network measurements among the specimens. Both morphometric measurements showed two DF analyses where the DF1 is 93.1% and 6.9% in DF2 among group variability. The DF plotting proves that measurements were significantly different among regions. The specimens from Sarawak have a broader head depth, whereas those from ECPM have an aerodynamic body size. According to statistical analysis, the morphometric features of Sarawak and the ECPM are significantly different due to geographical separation and different environments. These morphometric data could provide a supporting strategy for further conservation and fisheries management.
The oil palm industry is a major contributor in the export of Malaysian agriculture. The National... more The oil palm industry is a major contributor in the export of Malaysian agriculture. The National Agriculture Policy (1992 – 2010) included beef production through integration as an important strategy to increase national beef output and to achieve the self-sufficiency level. Therefore,the main objective of this study was to investigate the perception of oil palm estate managers towards the integration between oil palm and cattle and towards factors which causing the slow implementation of the integration in Malaysia.A survey method through self-completion questionnaire was used in collecting the required data from the managers which consist of managers, assistant managers, supervisors and also owners of the selected oil palm estates in Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 60 respondents were selected by using simple random sampling method and 15 of them were managing the oil palm estate which implementing the oil palm-cattle integration. The data gathered was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Factor analysis revealed that there were two main components of perception of the respondents on the oil palm-cattle integration. And factor analysis also identified that there were two main factors that causing the slow implementation of the oil palm-cattle integration based on the respondents' perception which are internal factor and external factor. An independent samples t-test showed that there was a significant different in the perception on the internal factor between the respondents who managing the estate which implementing the oil palm-cattle integration and the respondents who managing the estate which not implementing the integration. The study concludes that the government needs to plan a good strategy in promoting the oil palm-cattle integration by taking into account all the internal as well as external factors which could cause the slow implementation of the oil palm-cattle integration in Malaysia
Pineapple which is scientifically known as Ananas comosus and locally recognized as nanas is one ... more Pineapple which is scientifically known as Ananas comosus and locally recognized as nanas is one of the well-known tropical fruits besides banana, mango and papaya. This unique fruit is being cultivated extensively in many parts of the world including Malaysia and commonly consumed fresh or in processed form. In Malaysia, the related agencies had been implementing various development activities to uplift the pineapple industry in the country. These included in activities to help the small-scale pineapple farmers in improving their income level. Socioeconomic characteristics of farmers have been proven to give significant impacts on their income and productivity. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between socioeconomic factors, income and productivity of pineapple farmers in Samarahan, Sarawak. The survey was conducted from July to August 2012 with total of 55 respondents using structured questionnaire as the research instrument. Both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were involved in this study. Factor analysis was used to identify the main factors affecting the productivity of the respondents based on 21 Likert-scaled items used in this study. The factor analysis revealed that there were two factors affecting their productivity which are input and awareness factor and farm background factor. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the land size factor or specifically, the total area of pineapple farming was the only factor identified having significant effect on the monthly income of pineapple farmers in Samarahan (B=.492, p<.05). The study has successfully analyzed the relationship between socioeconomic factors, income and productivity of paddy farmers in the studied area. These findings could be used as a baseline data by the relevant parties or agencies involve in the development of pineapple industry in improving the pineapple farmers' productivity and income.
Proceedings of the 14th Seminar on Science and Technology 2021, 2021
A hydroponic system is seen as an alternative rice cultivation system that possibly be able to ov... more A hydroponic system is seen as an alternative rice cultivation system that possibly be able to overcome common problems encountered in conventional and traditional paddy cultivation such as irrigation systems, limited cultivation area, control of nutrient inputs, control of pests, and loss of community interest particularly the new generation towards paddy cultivation. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to examine the vegetative growth of two local rice varieties under hydroponic condition. The experiment was a split plot design or 2x2 factorial design, where the main plot is a nutrient solution concentration, NCS with two levels (i.e., 600-700 ppm and 800-900 ppm) and the subplot is a local rice variety consisting of TQR-8 Sri Aman and upland rice variety called as ‘Tadong’. Each treatment was replicated in four plants or pots. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent-samples t-test were employed in the data analysis. The results revealed that the hydroponically grown rice has slightly
UMRAN - International Journal of Islamic and Civilizational Studies
Natural disasters are an unavoidable nature, and this phenomenon has been proven to occur either ... more Natural disasters are an unavoidable nature, and this phenomenon has been proven to occur either from a religious or scientific perspective. From the Islamic point of view, natural disasters considered as test of faithfulness. This study endevours to conceptualise the meaning of trial and its relation to the understanding of the Muslim community in Lahad Datu. The study discusses action taken by them in facing this natural disaster. This study employed quantitative method through distributing questionnaires around the district of Lahad Datu. The descriptive analysis was done to analyse the relationship between the demographic background of Muslim respondents with their level of understanding and knowledge of earthquake as a test of God. The results showed that majority of respondents, 80 percent, had experienced an earthquake. The average knowledge of the respondents about the history of the earthquake in Lahad Datu is at a minimum level and it can be said that the knowledge about t...
Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH)
Kepesatan pembangunan teknologi komunikasi telah mengubah cara hidup dan perhubungan manusia di s... more Kepesatan pembangunan teknologi komunikasi telah mengubah cara hidup dan perhubungan manusia di seluruh dunia. Penggunaan teknologi komunikasi khususnya komputer atau telefon bimbit dengan kemudahan internet telah memudahkan perhubungan manusia dan mampu menjimatkan masa tanpa perlu melibatkan pertemuan fizikal dan perjalanan yang panjang. Ancaman virus COVID-19 yang telah mengganggu dan membatasi pergerakan manusia telah menyebabkan kebergantungan terhadap teknologi komunikasi yang melibatkan penggunaan komputer dan telefon dengan kemudahan internet semakin penting dalam urusan seharian. Kajian ini bertujuan mengukur tahap literasi internet menggunakan instrumen yang dibangunkan oleh Lau dan Yuen (2014) yang melibatkan seramai 1228 orang responden dari daerah Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan dan Tawau. Hasil kajian menunjukkan tahap literasi internet penduduk di Sabah adalah tinggi. Faktor-faktor seperti jantina, umur, pendidikan, status perkahwinan, pekerjaan dan pendapatan didapati mempun...
There have been some changes in Malaysians’ food preference as Malaysia is one of the most develo... more There have been some changes in Malaysians’ food preference as Malaysia is one of the most developing countries in Asia. These changes in consumption pattern have some impact on the agriculturally based food industry. One of the changes is in the preference for fresh meat such as poultry, beef, mutton, and other meat. This study is focusing on demand elasticity of fresh meat by households in Malaysia. This study has obtained demand elasticity of fresh meat via Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System (LA-AIDS). Data from the Household Expenditure Survey (HES) 2014 has been used to build a statistical model in estimating the demand elasticity. Keywords: demand elasticity; Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand (LA-AIDS); Household Expenditure Survey (HES) 2014
On June 5,2015, the people of Sabah were tested in the aftermath of an earthquake in the Ranau ar... more On June 5,2015, the people of Sabah were tested in the aftermath of an earthquake in the Ranau area. The catastrophic damage to the environment, property and life has left a deep impression on the people of Ranau and Kundasang. The 5.9 magnitude earthquake was also felt in the surrounding areas namely Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Kudat and Telupid. The Islamic perspectives explain that this disaster is a condition of the Qada’ and the Qadar of God to mankind. To understand the relationship between religion and disaster, this study was conducted to find out the religious awareness of Muslims in Kundansang and Ranau in the aftermath of the earthquake in 2015. Religious awareness is measured through local community attitudes in the participation of Posogit ceremonies and their religious practices. Data collection using quantitative and qualitative methods around Kundasang and Ranau has been conducted by distributing questionnaires and interviews with the key informants from religious and...
Indian Research Journal of Extension Education, 2017
Organic manure provides a solution to the alarming environmental damage caused by chemical fertil... more Organic manure provides a solution to the alarming environmental damage caused by chemical fertilizers. The residues of chemical fertilizer are not only percolating into the soil but have moved into the reservoirs of water, rivers and streams. With the global concern of safe foods, the concept of organic manure was introduced to the farmers. Among the various sources of organic manure, vermiculture technology recognized as having considerable potential as soil amendments and also source of generating additional income along with the environmental balance. And by looking into the benefit of organic manure, most of the farmers of Jorhat District started vermicompost in their houses. Thus the present study was undertaken to analyze the knowledge, attitude and practices of farmers towards vermiculture technology. The study was conducted in Jorhat district of Assam. A multi stage purposive cum simple random sampling design was followed for selection of three blocks of respective subdivis...
The oil palm industry is one of the important pillars of the Malaysian economy and has generated ... more The oil palm industry is one of the important pillars of the Malaysian economy and has generated and strengthened the country’s economy that is resilient to global economic changes. In the NKEA, agriculture focuses on transformation of the agriculture industry and one main aspect of the agenda is to encourage large scale cattle integration in oil palm plantation (NKEA, 2013). At present, total planted hectares of oil palm in Malaysia is 5.39 million hectares (MPOB, 2015). The sufficient land and availability and forages existing under the oil palm plantation can become cost free cattle feed. The cattle can benefit the industry, as it can contribute to soil fertility, reduce the weed population and thus, reduces labour cost associated with weeding. Oil palm-cattle integration is very encouraging and profitable and also the practice is highly recommended for oil palm owners. This study aims to investigate the participation of smallholder’s scheme on perception, inclination and repulsi...
Although more than 25 acne grading systems exist, only 2 are inclusive of truncal acne. There is ... more Although more than 25 acne grading systems exist, only 2 are inclusive of truncal acne. There is neither a gold standard nor a consistently used standardized system. Our purpose was to develop and validate an acne grading system incorporating severity at the face, chest, and back. We developed a comprehensive acne severity scale (CASS) by modifying a preexisting facial acne scale, the Investigator Global Assessment, to include truncal acne. The validity and responsiveness of CASS grades were correlated with Leeds scores at baseline and after 6 months of standard acne treatment. Spearman correlations were significant between Leeds and CASS grades for the face (0.823), chest (0.854), and back (0.872), respectively (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001). After 6 months of therapy, changes in these scores were also significantly correlated (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001) at all three sites. Concurrent validity of CASS is demonstrated by a very strong correlation with Leeds grading. CASS is simpler to use than the Leeds system and more appropriate for translation of research trial results to clinical practice.
Due to significant social and economic upheavals brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a ... more Due to significant social and economic upheavals brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a great deal of psychological pain. Google Trends data have been seen as a corollary measure to assess population-wide trends via observing trends in search results. Judicious analysis of Google Trends data can have both analytical and predictive capacities. This study aimed to compare nation-wide and inter-state trends in mental health before and after the Malaysian Movement Control Order 3.0 (MCO 3.0) commencing 12 May 2021. This was through assessment of two terms, “stress” and “sleep” in both the Malay and English language. Google Trends daily data between March 6 and 31 May in both 2019 and 2021 was obtained, and both series were re-scaled to be comparable. Searches before and after MCO 3.0 in 2021 were compared to searches before and after the same date in 2019. This was carried out using the differences in difference (DiD) method. This ensured that seasonal variations between states...
In recent years, oil palm has grown on a major scale as it is a prominent commodity crop that con... more In recent years, oil palm has grown on a major scale as it is a prominent commodity crop that contributes the most to almost every producing country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Nonetheless, existing threats such as the Ganoderma basal stem rot (BSR) disease have been deteriorating the oil palm plantations and suitable actions to overcome the issue are still being investigated. The BSR disease progression in oil palm is being studied using the disease progression through the plant disease triangle idea. This concept looks at all potential elements that could affect the transmission and development of the disease. The elements include pathogenic, with their mode of infection in each studied factor.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Viral epidemics have surfaced frequently over the past quarter-century, with multiple manifestati... more Viral epidemics have surfaced frequently over the past quarter-century, with multiple manifestations of psychological distress. This study sought to establish the psychometric properties of the Malay version of SAVE-9 among healthcare workers. A total of 203 healthcare workers across Malaysia participated in the research. The Malay version of SAVE-9 was translated and back-translated using the WHO instrument validation protocols. Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Rasch analysis were used to assess the validity and reliability of the Malay version of the SAVE-9 scale. The analysis was run using IBM SPSS 26.0 and JAPS. Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure the internal consistency of SAVE-9, which was found to be satisfactory (Cronbach’s α = 0.795). The correlations between the SAVE-9 and other measured scales (GAD-7 and PHQ-9) were statistically significant. A score of 22 was defined as a cut-off point with good sensitivity (0.578) and specificity (0.165). The Malay version of the Stres...
INTRODUCTION: Majority of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) mothers resume normal glycaemic sta... more INTRODUCTION: Majority of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) mothers resume normal glycaemic state after delivery. However, this hyperglycaemic condition may persist in some women. Postpartum GDM mothers have a higher risk of progression to diabetes and prediabetes than those with normal pregnancy. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of prediabetes among postpartum GDM mothers and its associated factors during six weeks of postpartum glucose testing. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional secondary data review was conducted from January 2021 until May 2021 among postpartum mothers with history of GDM who performed postpartum glucose testing in all government health clinics in Besut, Terengganu from January 2018 until December 2019. A descriptive and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26 software. RESULT: A total of 429 cases were included. Prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes was 2.3% (95% CI 1.6%, 3.0%) and 13.8% ...
Introduction: Performance anxiety is a transdiagnostic construct similar in both sports and clini... more Introduction: Performance anxiety is a transdiagnostic construct similar in both sports and clinical medical examinations. Given that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and other similar therapies have transdiagnostic evidence in improving the performance of athletes, the same approach can be adopted for medical students in improving their performance during clinical examinations. This pilot study aimed to assess the efficacy of a brief ACT-based intervention in improving transdiagnostic performance anxiety in clinical medical students through assessing changes in psychopathology scores (depression, anxiety, and stress) and psychological process variables (psychological flexibility, cognitive fusion, and mindfulness). Methods: Final-year medical students were randomized into intervention and control groups. A one-day ACT-based intervention was delivered to an intervention group, with the control group crossing over one month post intervention. Both groups filled in sociodemogra...
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in 5 consecutive Movement Control Orders (MCOs) in Malaysia in an ... more The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in 5 consecutive Movement Control Orders (MCOs) in Malaysia in an attempt to flatten the epidemiological curve, with a reduction of cases. This study aims to use statistical analysis to assess whether the decisive public health interventions in the MCO were efficacious. Three statistical tests were employed: Mann-Kendall trend analysis; one way between groups ANOVA; and Pearson correlation test. Results demonstrated significant differences between the second block, MCO 3-5, compared to MCO 1-2. Johor and Selangor states experienced significant increase in early MCO, whereas Sarawak and Selangor states experienced significant decrease by MCO 3-5. The northern border states of Kedah, Perlis and Kelantan, had caseloads stabilised to zero by MCO 4/MCO 5. This study demonstrates that the MCO was effective within the target of twice the two-week incubation period of COVID-19, with cases from community transmission and importation through the air and southern...
The third wave of COVID-19 in Malaysia has significantly strained the healthcare system of the co... more The third wave of COVID-19 in Malaysia has significantly strained the healthcare system of the country and increased the level of burnout among the healthcare workers (HCWs) in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the various factors associated with burnout among HCWs. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 HWCs in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. An online survey was administered using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Brief COPE, and Fear of COVID-19 scales. Pearson correlations were assessed amongst all variables. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed using burnout dimensions as dependent variables. Multiple linear regression results showed: (a) lower work-related burnout (β = −0.217, p < 0.01) among married HCWs; (b) higher personal-related burnout (β = 0.228, p < 0.01), work-related burnout (β = 0.425, p < 0.01), and client-related burnout (β = 0.359, p < 0.01) am...
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