1.Attitude and Motivation Influence the Research Performance among Academicians at Malaysian Research University
Nurul Fatin Malek Rivan ; Suzana Shahar ; Norhayati Ibrahim ; Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh ; Wan Syafira Ishak ; Ruszymah Idrus ; Ishak Ahmad ; Melor Md Yunus ; Hatta Sidi ; Ahmad Kamal Arifin ; Adi Irfan Che An ; Neoh Hui-Min ; Roszalina Ramli ; Kuik Cheng Chwee ; Nur Faizah Abu Bakar ; Noor Shahida Sukiman
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;24(No. 1):18-28
Despite publishing and securing research grants being obligatory in research universities, the literature on the
factors influencing academic productivity is relatively scarce. Thus, in this study, we aimed to determine the
personal and behavioural-related factors that influence the culture of publishing and securing research grants
among academicians with lower research-related performance. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 49
academic staff members of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). A self-administered questionnaire consisting
of personal, attitude and behavioural (barriers, perceived stress scale, work extrinsic and intrinsic motivation
scale, psychological well-being scale, and basic needs satisfaction scale) questions were distributed during a
workshop and online. Simple linear regression (SLR) analyses were performed for each variable, followed by
multiple linear regression (MLR) to identify the associated factors of research output. After adjusting for covariates,
having a doctoral degree (β=0.396, 95% CI=0.221-2.146, p<0.05) and integrated regulation (β=0.574, 95%
CI=0.036-3.612, p<0.05) were found to be associated with research grant acquisition (R2=0.273). Moreover,
increasing age (β=0.426, 95% CI=0.088-0.397, p<0.05), living alone (β=0.331, 95% CI=0.944-6.626, p<0.05),
having a doctoral degree (β=0.248, 95% CI=0.174-6.747, p<0.05), environmental mastery (β=0.318, 95%
CI=0.013-0.347, p<0.05), self-acceptance (β=0.284, 95% CI=0.010-0.242, p<0.05), satisfaction incompetence
(β=0.273, 95% CI=0.001-0.200, p<0.05) and relatedness (β=0.280, 95% CI=0.001-0.116, p<0.05) were found to
be the factors that influence the publications produced among participants (R2
=0.423). The findings of this study
could be used by management to formulate effective strategies to increase the productivity of academics in their
research-related performance.
2.Physicochemical Characteristics, Sodium Content And Sensory Evaluation Of Selected Commercialised Soy Sauces In Malaysia
Hasnah Haron ; Nur Huda Azahir ; Law Chai Jia
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;24(No. 1):71-81
In Malaysia, the government has made it mandatory to label sodium content on food packaging effectively from 1st
January 2024. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics, sodium content, and sensory evaluation
of selected commercial soy sauce without sodium labelling in Malaysia. 25 soy sauce samples were studied. Each
soy sauce has a significant difference (p<0.05) in physicochemical properties except for the pH value. Results
found that the sodium content in light soy sauce was the highest (5766.50±968.37mg) while sweet soy sauce was
the lowest (3289.09± 589.14mg). For total soluble solids, sweet soy sauce was the highest (52.73°B). The range
of pH values for soy sauce is between 4.90-5.19. Sweet soy sauce showed the highest viscosity (145.78cP) and
brightness (L* = 2.48). Light soy sauce showed the highest values for redness and yellowness (a* = 1.34 and b*
= 1.57). Soy sauce without caramel has a significantly higher (p<0.05) sodium content and is less viscous than
the one with caramel. The sensory evaluation shows that sweet soy sauce has significantly (p<0.05) the highest
score for overall acceptance. Sodium content information on all soy sauce available in the Malaysian market to
help consumers make smarter choices.
3.Kesan Dialisis Terhadap Prestasi Aktiviti Kehidupan Seharian dalam Kalangan Pesakit Diabetes di Wilayah Kuala Selangor: Satu Kajian Kualitatif
Nur Atikah Suib ; Farahiyah Wan Yunus
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;24(No. 1):112-123
Dialisis merupakan rawatan yang lazim bagi pesakit kegagalan buah pinggang. Dari tahun ke tahun, bilangan
pesakit yang menjalani dialisis semakin meningkat dengan kadar yang membimbangkan. Tahap keupayaan
fungsi pesakit dialisis adalah lebih rendah berbanding pesakit diabetes yang tidak menjalani dialisis. Kajian
ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti bagaimana dialisis mempengaruhi prestasi Aktiviti Kehidupan Seharian
(ADL) dalam kalangan pesakit diabetes di Kuala Selangor serta faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi prestasi ADL
mereka. Kajian berkaitan prestasi ADL dalam kalangan pesakit dialisis yang menghidap diabetes masih terhad.
Oleh itu, kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kualitatif melalui sesi temu bual bersemuka secara separa berstruktur.
Seramai sepuluh peserta telah direkrut berdasarkan kriteria kemasukan yang ditetapkan. Lima tema utama telah
dikenal pasti daripada temu bual, iaitu: (i) meningkatkan kualiti kehidupan seharian: perspektif baharu terhadap
aktiviti harian; (ii) kesan diabetes terhadap aktiviti kehidupan seharian; (iii) kesan dialisis terhadap aktiviti
kehidupan seharian; (iv) prestasi fungsi dalam aktiviti asas kehidupan seharian; dan (v) aktiviti harian yang
dianggap penting. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa pelbagai jenis aktiviti kehidupan seharian telah terjejas
akibat kelemahan fizikal yang dialami oleh peserta. Kajian ini dapat memberi pemahaman yang lebih mendalam
kepada ahli terapi cara kerja dan bidang pemulihan lain mengenai keupayaan fizikal pesakit diabetes yang
menjalani hemodialisis
4.Associations between food expenditure, food consumption score, food adequacy, and food security level among prison officers in Malaysia
Mohamad Zulkefly Mohamad Yusop, ; Shamsul Azahari Zainal Badar ; Nur Aqilah Amalina Jaafar
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2026;32(No. 1):119-131
Introduction: Food security, defined as consistent access to sufficient, safe, and
nutritious food, remains a significant challenge in Malaysia, especially among lowincome households. This study examined associations between food expenditure,
food consumption, food adequacy, and food security among lower-ranking prison
officers in the B40 income group. Methods: Multistage sampling was used to select
study locations and prisons in Malaysia. Purposive sampling was used to select
420 officers, who completed a self-administered, validated questionnaire. Data
were analysed descriptively and through multiple linear regression to identify key
predictors of food security. Results: All respondents (100%) had acceptable Food
Consumption Scores (FCS), with 97.1% showing high food adequacy. However, the
vast majority (89.5%) were classified as at risk of food insecurity. Food spending was
predominantly directed towards staple cereals and animal proteins, such as chicken
and meat, while expenditure on fruits, vegetables, and dairy products was much
lower. Food expenditure was strongly linked to food insecurity (β =-0.588, p<0.001).
Similarly, food consumption score (β =-0.087, p=0.038) and food adequacy (β =-0.127,
p=0.003) were both negatively associated with food insecurity. Conclusion: Although
Malaysian prison officers generally had adequate diets, a substantial proportion of
households remained food insecure, particularly in terms of dietary diversity and
micronutrient intake. Household food expenditure, consumption scores, and food
adequacy were all linked to lower food insecurity.
5.Combining Three Long-acting Injectable Antipsychotics:A Case Series
Ayşe Nur İnci KENAR ; Selin Balki TEKIN
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2026;24(1):192-196
The decision to use multiple long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIAs) is difficult since there is no evidence base for their use in treatment guidelines. In this case series, we aimed to present our experiences with the use of triple LAIAs in four patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The study included four treatment-resistant schizophrenia cases who were followed in the inpatient ward of a university hospital, who could not use clozapine due to non-compliance with treatment, who did not benefit from multiple electroconvulsive therapy procedures, who did not respond to dual antipsychotic treatments and who were using triple LAIAs. The clinical histories of the cases were analysed retrospectively by experienced psychiatrists. All patients responded to the treatment with a decrease in their psychotic symptoms and the number of hospitalizations without any significant side effects. Also, improvement in daily functioning and adherence to treatment was observed in all cases. Based on these results, the use of multiple LAIAs can be safely applied, especially in appropriate treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients and with close follow-up by a clinician.
6.Cytomegalovirus infection post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a real-world perspective on risk factors and clinical practice
Xin Yee CHIEW ; Jun Yan GOH ; Nur Sabrina RUSLI ; Thevambiga IYADORAI ; Syaza Ab RAHMAN ; Siti Hajar REHIMAN ; Gin Gin GAN ; Hany ARIFFIN
Clinical Transplantation and Research 2026;40(1):129-137
Background:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare burden in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Its clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic CMV replication to end-organ diseases such as pneumonia, gastroenteritis, and retinitis, all of which are associated with a higher rate of nonrelapse mortality.
Methods:
We reviewed case records of children who underwent allo-HSCT at our center between April 2013 and October 2024. CMV monitoring was performed weekly until at least day +100 post-HSCT using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. All patients received acyclovir prophylaxis. Pre-emptive intravenous ganciclovir therapy was initiated when CMV-DNA levels exceeded 500 IU/mL Results: A total of 150 consecutive patients (58% male) were included. The median age at HSCT was 6.3 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3.4–11.3 years). Indications for HSCT were hematologic malignancy (n=81, 54.0%), inborn errors of immunity and bone marrow failure (n=46, 30.7%), and hemoglobinopathy (n=23, 15.3%). Donor and recipient CMV seropositivity rates were 86.7% and 94.0%, respectively. CMV infection occurred in 43.4% of patients, with a median onset of 30 days post-HSCT (IQR, 21–47 days). There were five (3.3%) cases of CMV disease, resulting in one (0.7%) CMV-related death. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical donor status (odds ratio [OR], 5.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.43–10.29; P<0.001) and the use of serotherapy in the conditioning regimen (OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.47–5.60; P=0.002) were significantly associated with an increased risk of CMV infection.
Conclusions
CMV infection was a common occurrence, particularly among patients with HLA-haploidentical donors. Preventive strategies such as weekly surveillance and pre-emptive ganciclovir therapy proved effective in preventing overt CMV disease.
8.Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Safety and Health Risks Among Food Manufacturing Workers in Malaysia
Nur Shahida Murad ; Nor Ashikin Sopian ; Nurud Suria Suhaimi ; Indah Lutfiya ; Wan Zaiton Wan Sulaiman
International Journal of Public Health Research 2026;16(1):2457-2467
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Safety ; Health Risks ; Food Manufacturing
Introduction
Food manufacturing in Malaysia exposes workers to numerous potential hazards and health risks throughout the work process. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards safety and health risks among food manufacturing workers and to examine the relationship between these domains.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was performed involving 80 workers from three food manufacturing factories in Negeri Sembilan. KAP was assessed through a validated questionnaire adapted from a previous study.
Results
All workers (100%) demonstrated a positive attitude, 98.7% show good practice, and 93.8% exhibit a good level of knowledge towards safety and health risks. The correlation study showed significant positive correlations between gender and attitude, and between education level and attitude, indicating that these sociodemographic factors influence safety attitudes. Work experience is significantly associated with knowledge, suggesting that work experience enhances knowledge. The study also reveals weak positive correlations among knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding safety and health risk, but a significant correlation is observed between knowledge and practice.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that fostering practical knowledge is essential for ensuring safe work behaviors. Prioritizing hands-on safety training can help bridge the gap between theoretical attitude and daily operational safety, ultimately reducing occupational health risks among food manufacturing workers.
9.A Literature Review on Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Woodworker in Woodworking Station
Nurhanisah MH ; Ruhaizin Sulaiman ; Khairul Manami Kamarudin ; Rosalam Che Me ; Nur Athirah Diyana Mohammad Yusof
International Journal of Public Health Research 2026;16(1):2570-2580
A Literature Review on Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Woodworker in Woodworking Station
Introduction
The wood industry is inherently hazardous, with workers frequently exposed to perils such as injuries, noise, and ergonomic strain. Therefore, ensuring workers' safety and health in such environments is critical. The objective of this review paper is to investigate the main factors affecting symptoms of MSDs among woodworkers in their workstations.
Methods
A literature search was conducted using work-related terms, such as musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), woodworkers, and carpenters. All studies on risk factors associated with WMSDs, published between 2014 and 2024, were included. Accordingly, databases searched were Google Scholar, Science Direct and PUBMED.
Results
501 articles that assessed postural problems in woodworking activities were found, and only 12 articles regarding WMSDs among woodworkers were selected for further analysis. India had the highest number of articles among countries, followed by Pakistan. According to the results, 19% of lower back and shoulder pain cases were associated with MSDs symptoms.
Conclusions
Woodworkers face an increased risk of MSDs, particularly in the lower back, shoulders and neck, due to poor workstation setup, awkward postures, manual handling, exposure to vibration, and other physical factors in the workplace. The findings of this review inform the design of evidence-based ergonomic interventions, such as modifications to workstations, redesigned ergonomics tools, or unsafe work practices identified among woodworkers in workstations.
10.Development of monitoring and evaluation guidelines for Indonesia’s national Early Warning Alert and Response System: aiming for a standardized and systematic assessment
Shingo Nishiki ; Irma Gusmi Ratih ; Nur Assyifa Daiyah Fillah ; Rizki Dinar Winiar ; Isamu Kuboki ; Rendy Manuhutu ; Lia Septiana ; Eka Muhiriyah ; Triya Novita Dinihari
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2026;17(2):01-04
The initiative to establish a systematic monitoring and evaluation (M&E) scheme for Indonesia’s Early Warning Alert and Response System began in 2024, with the development of guidelines and online tools through pilot activities. This can contribute to capacity-building in other countries, providing practical insights for structuring surveillance M&E systems.


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