Food insecurity, exacerbated by socioeconomic disadvantage, is a critical determinant of nutritional inadequacy and psychological distress. However, localised data on this relationship and coping mechanisms among lowincome populations remain limited. This study investigated the prevalence of food insecurity, coping strategies and psychological health among low-income (B40) households in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted online using convenience and snowball sampling among 115 women of reproductive age (18-49 years) from B40 families. Food security status was assessed using 18-item U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM). Depression and anxiety status were measured with Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, respectively. Coping strategies were recorded using a structured checklist. Overall, 81.7% of households were food-secure, while 18.3% were food-insecure. The prevalence of clinically significant depression (PHQ-9 ≥10) and anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10) was 4.3% and 2.6%, respectively. Significant association were found between food insecurity and psychological distress, with food-insecure women reporting higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms (p<0.001). Common coping strategies included food-related actions (such as prioritising children’s food intake) and financial rationing (such as stringent budgeting), while income-generating strategies were less frequently adopted. In conclusion, most households were food-secure, and a minority experienced food insecurity, which was strongly associated with depression and anxiety. This highlights the need for integrated public health interventions that address both economic vulnerability and mental health, moving beyond short-term food assistance toward sustainable social support strategies.

Introduction: Writing a research paper is a fundamental skill for researchers, yet many early-career scientists face challenges due to limited formal training in scientific writing. This paper serves as a practical guide for graduate students and early-career researchers preparing their first research manuscript. Methods: Drawing on published guidance, editorial perspectives and best practices in scientific communication, this paper outlines the key components of a research manuscript, including the title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion and references. Emphasis is placed on the IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion) structure, effective manuscript organisation and appropriate writing techniques. Results: This guide provides practical recommendations to support the preparation of clear, coherent and publication-ready manuscripts. By systematically explaining the purpose and structure of each manuscript section, it helps novice researchers develop confidence in scientific writing. Additional considerations related to manuscript revision, journal selection, submission procedures, cover letter preparation, plagiarism screening, responsible use of artificial intelligence tools and ethical conduct are also discussed. Common pitfalls that may hinder publication, including poorly defined research questions, inadequate reporting and non-compliance with journal requirements, are highlighted together with strategies to avoid them. Conclusion: Successful scientific writing requires clarity, organisation, methodological rigour and ethical integrity. By understanding the purpose and structure of each manuscript section and adopting best practices in writing and publication, early-career researchers can communicate their findings more effectively and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in Singapore, with moderate to severe OSA affecting around 30% of residents. These consensus statements aim to provide scientifically grounded recommendations for the management of OSA, standar-dise the management of OSA in Singapore and promote multidisciplinary collaboration. METHOD: An expert panel, which was convened in 2024, identified several areas of OSA management that require guidance. The expert panel reviewed the current literature and developed consensus statements, which were later independently voted on using a 3-point Likert scale (agree, neutral or disagree). Consensus (total ratings of agree and neutral) was set a priori at ≥80% agreement. Any statement not reaching consensus was excluded. RESULTS: The final consensus included 49 statements that provide guidance on the screening, diagnosis and management of adults with OSA. Additionally, 23 statements on the screening, diagnosis and management of paediatric OSA achieved consensus. These 72 consensus statements considered not only the latest clinical evidence but also the benefits and harms, resource implications, feasibility, acceptability and equity impact of the recommendations. CONCLUSION The statements presented in this paper aim to guide clinicians based on the most updated evidence and collective expert opinion from sleep specialists in Singapore. These recommendations should augment clinical judgement rather than replace it. Management decisions should be individualised, taking into account the patient's clinical characteristics, as well as patient and caregiver concerns and preferences.
Humans ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/diagnosis* ; Singapore ; Consensus ; Adult