Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Research Articles

Case report of anti JMH: A high-titer, low-avidity antibody posing difficulty in immunohematological tests

This report presents a patient with anti-John Milton Hagen (JMH) posing difficulties in the immunohematological test in the Blood Bank Unit of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center. A 1-year-8-month-old boy was referred to our center to rule out acute leukemia from a private hospital. A crossmatch request was sent to the Blood Bank before the bone marrow biopsy. Our testing revealed his blood grouping as O Rh-D positive. His Direct Antiglobulin Test was positive, and his antibody screening and antibody identification showed weak pan-reactivity. However, reactions were negative with enzyme-treated cells. Red cell elution showed interestingly no reaction in the eluate, suspected to be due to drug-induced autoantibody. Further tests of antibody titration and neutralization test suggest it could be a high-titer low avidity (HTLA) antibody, most likely Anti-JMH. Although HTLA antibodies are clinically insignificant, they can cause confusion and delay in issuance of blood products. There are also cases of clinically significant HTLA antibodies. Determining the type of HTLA antibody may guide the extent of further testing required to utilize resources best and, most importantly, to assure patient safety.

Breast Conserving Surgery Post Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Breast Carcinoma in a Developing Country: Is It Safe?

Breast conserving surgery (BCS) is the standard treatment for early breast cancer and has similar survival with mastectomy. The role of BCS in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), post neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), is controversial. Surgeons, especially in developing countries, fear higher margin involvement and local recurrence (LR) in BCS. The aim of this study was to determine the LR in BCS compared to mastectomy in LABC post NACT and to ascertain the percentage of involved surgical margins following both methods of surgery. This was a retrospective study of breast cancer patients seen in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). All patients had NACT followed by either mastectomy or BCS. The patients with Her2 enriched carcinomas did not have access to targeted therapy (Trastuzumab or Pertuzumab). The patients with ill-defined tumours underwent ultrasound assessment in the surgical clinics. All had post-operative radiotherapy. All with ER or PR positive cancers were given Tamoxifen for a minimum of 5 years. This study demonstrated that BCS post NACT was safe to be performed in selected patients with LABC in a developing country.

Clinical Outcomes of Topical Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization.

Background and objective In corneal neovascularization, the peri-corneal vascular structure grows into a normally avascular cornea. This is due to an imbalance between the angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors that sustain corneal transparency. There are various etiologies of this condition, and they can be divided into infective or non-infective causes, such as inflammation, trauma, or surgical causes. Corneal neovascularization has been shown to improve with the current treatments using steroids and anti-vascular endothelial growth factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical bevacizumab as an anti-angiogenic agent in patients with corneal neovascularization. Methods This retrospective study included patients who suffered corneal neovascularization of various etiologies and completed six months of topical bevacizumabtherapy between 2020 and 2022 at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. Results A total of 16 patients received treatment with topical bevacizumab over the three-yearstudy period. Based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 patients were eligible for inclusion in this study. Eight patients (66%) showed improvement in terms of either 'clock hours' of improvement, morphology, or regression of corneal neovascularization. All infective causes of corneal neovascularization showed improvement on completion of bevacizumab compared to other causes. Conclusion Topical bevacizumab can be one of the treatment choices for corneal neovascularization. As the outcome varies depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition, the attending ophthalmologist should treat each case differently. Although topical bevacizumab is more effective in mild and moderate cases, the indications for its use in chronic cases remain debatable as the results are unfavorable in such cases.

Di Sebalik Isu Perkahwinan Nadrah: Tumpuan Terhadap Pandangan Ahmad Luthfi dalam Majalah Qalam (1950–1963)

The issue of Nadrah began to draw the attention of the world community in the early 1950s due to the trial of custody rights between her Malay adoptive mother and her Dutch biological parents. This event sparked a major polemic since it touched the sensitivities of the Malays and Muslims. Among the dominant issues in the Nadrah tragedy was the issue of Nadrah’s marriage, which had become the main topic in the newspapers and magazines at that time, including the Qalam magazine. Compared to other print media, the Qalam magazine seemed to emphasise more on reports that were based on Islamic beliefs and morals in relation to the issue of Nadrah. In relation to this, the current study examined the perception of Ahmad Luthfi, as a founder, publisher, and author of the Qalam magazine, on the issue of Nadrah’s marriage from the aspects of age limit for marriage, Islamisation and faith, women’s freedom, the role of kadi (a judge)/wali (Islamic legal guardian) and Islamic administrative law. The resources and materials in this article were obtained from the National Archives of Malaysia, Tun Sri Lanang Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Library, Universiti Malaya (UM) Main Library, UM Za’ba Memorial Library, UM Ahmad Ibrahim Library, UM Academy of Islamic Studies Library, and other sources. The findings of the study show that Ahmad Luthfi had a clear perception of the Islamic law based on the Al-Quran and Hadith. He would not compromise with those who undermined Islamic law. His views had invited positive and negative reactions from various parties.

Synchronizing Environmental Education Research Trends: Promoting Sustainable Practices and Enhancing Scientific Knowledge

This research explores the diversity of topics related to environmental education issues and students’ environmental concerns regarding their behavior. The bibliometric method is a quantitative approach used to measure and investigate specific indicators within the literature published in a particular field. This method involves creating knowledge maps using extensive databases to identify patterns and trends. Using the keyword “environmental education” on Scopus from 2018 to 2023, 365 relevant documents were found. In the PRISMA flow diagram, the process started with 7550 traced documents, narrowing down to 2536 relevant documents through screening. From these, 776 related documents were chosen, and 573 relevant documents were recognized after the inclusion stage. Throughout, a total of 365 publications were included in the study. VOS viewer software was used to analyze data and generate bibliographic maps and networks. In the last five years, research on environmental education has experienced exciting fluctuations. Key sources like Sustainability Switzerland and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health have played a significant role. Research by Bogner, F.X. stands out, reflecting high interest in environmental issues and education within the scientific community. Universities such as Universidad de Granada and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia contribute significantly. The United States leads in publications. Environmental education research remains crucial for sustainable practices and environmental literacy despite fluctuations. This data provides essential guidance for future research planning. This research not only underscores the increasing research emphasis on the educational ramifications of pandemics but also identifies specific areas that warrant more extensive exploration.

Beyond words: analyzing non-verbal communication techniques in a medical communication skills course via synchronous online platform.

Effective doctor-patient relationships hinge on robust communication skills, with non-verbal communication techniques (NVC) often overlooked, particularly in online synchronous interactions. This study delves into the exploration of NVC types during online feedback sessions for communication skill activities in a medical education module. A cohort of 100 first-year medical students and 10 lecturers at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), engaged in communication skills activities via Microsoft Teams. Sessions were recorded, and lecturer NVC, encompassing body position, facial expressions, voice intonation, body movements, eye contact, and paralinguistics, were meticulously observed. Following these sessions, students provided reflective writings highlighting their perceptions of the feedback, specifically focusing on observed NVC. The study identified consistent non-verbal communication patterns during feedback sessions. Lecturers predominantly leaned forward and toward the camera, maintained direct eye contact, and exhibited dynamic voice intonation. They frequently engaged in tactile gestures and paused to formulate thoughts, often accompanied by filler sounds like "um" and "okay." This consistency suggests proficient use of NVC in providing synchronous online feedback. Less observed NVC included body touching and certain paralinguistic cues like long sighs. Initial student apprehension, rooted in feelings of poor performance during activities, transformed positively upon observing the lecturer's facial expressions and cheerful intonation. This transformation fostered an open reception of feedback, motivating students to address communication skill deficiencies. Additionally, students expressed a preference for comfortable learning environments to alleviate uncertainties during feedback reception. Potential contrivances in non-verbal communication (NVC) due to lecturer awareness of being recorded, a small sample size of 10 lecturers limiting generalizability, a focus solely on preclinical lecturers, and the need for future research to address these constraints and explore diverse educational contexts. Medical schools globally should prioritize integrating NVC training into their curricula to equip students with essential communication skills for diverse healthcare settings. The study's findings serve as a valuable reference for lecturers, emphasizing the importance of employing effective NVC during online feedback sessions. This is crucial as NVC, though occurring online synchronously, remains pivotal in conveying nuanced information. Additionally, educators require ongoing professional development to enhance proficiency in utilizing NVC techniques in virtual learning environments. Potential research directions stemming from the study's findings include longitudinal investigations into the evolution of NVC patterns, comparative analyses across disciplines, cross-cultural examinations, interventions to improve NVC skills, exploration of technology's role in NVC enhancement, qualitative studies on student perceptions, and interdisciplinary collaborations to deepen understanding of NVC in virtual learning environments.

Assessing students’ environmental literacy on sustainability through Knowledge -Attitude-Practice (K-A-P) approach in the Ecosystem Discovery Journey (EDJ) Programme

A successful transition towards sustainability in the university context requires incorporation of three important aspects based on knowledge, beliefs, values and actions among all stakeholders, particularly students, through environmental education and literacy. Hence, this study aims to assess the level of environmental literacy, encompassing knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of undergraduate students enrolled in the LMCP1522: Ecosystem Discovery Journey (EDJ) course in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. A quantitative study was conducted, involving a survey and structured questionnaires completed by 108 students, also known as Eco-volunteers (Ekorelawan). The collected data were analysed by applying the descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed a high level of environmental knowledge (94.4%), positive environmental attitude (56.5%) and fair/moderate environmental practice (69.5%) among students. The study also found positive and significant relationships between environmental knowledge, attitude and practice among the students through Spearman correlation test. The analysis discovered that students acquired environmental knowledge through electronic media, particularly social media as their primary source. The findings of the study illustrated a general depiction of environmental literacy level among students and provided general direction for policy discussion with respect to environmental education in Malaysian higher education institutions.

The Effect of Tobacco Smoking on Corneal Endothelium and Central Corneal Thickness

We aimed to study the impact of tobacco smoking towards central corneal thickness, morphology, and corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) in healthy subjects. This cross-sectional study recruited consecutive patients who visited the Ophthalmology Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, from April 2017 to August 2018 who were active smokers and non-smokers. Active smokers were further divided into heavy and light smokers according to the number of pack-years smoked. The nicotine dependency level was measured using the Fagerstrom test and divided into low, moderate, and severe dependency. Non-contact specular microscopy was performed. Parameters studied included the ECD, percentage of hexagonality (HEX), coefficient of variation of cell size (COV), and central corneal thickness (CCT). A total of 84 eyes from 84 subjects were included, with 42 in the smoker and 42 in the non-smoker groups. The mean age was 38.3 ± 6.7 and 39.2 ± 10.7 years in the smoker and non-smoker groups, respectively. The mean ECD, HEX, and COV were 2783 ± 316 vs. 2877 ± 333 cells/mm2, 55.0 ± 6.7% vs. 55.0 ± 7.7% and 32.7 ± 4.4% vs. 32.2 ± 4.1% in the smoker and non-smoker group, respectively. However, none were statistically significant (p>0.05). The mean CCT was also not statistically different, with 532.6 ± 30.8 μm in the smoker group and 530.5 ± 30.8 μm in the non-smoker group. No statistically significant difference was found between light and heavy smokers and addiction levels. There was a statistically significant but weak negative correlation between ECD and duration of smoking (r = -.370, p = 0.016) and a weak positive correlation between COV and number of pack-years smoked (r = .344, p = 0.025). Smoking did not significantly affect corneal ECD, cellular morphology, or CCT.

Enablers and Barriers to Achieving Clinical Competency among Dental Students: Lessons for Teaching and Learning

Adaptations to the teaching and learning during the pandemic affected dental students’ ability to achieve clinical competency. This study aimed to: (1) assess the self-reported competencies of dental students affected by the pandemic; (2) describe the enablers and barriers to achieving clinical competency among these students; and (3) to elucidate factors related to the resilience of the teaching and learning system during the pandemic for future adaptations and implementations. A questionnaire consisting of eight domains with 43 questions was sent to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) recent dental graduates from the 2021 cohort. Eight students from the cohort were also interviewed. The semi-structured, in-depth interviews were recorded and transcribed. A total of 56 questionnaires were returned, resulting in a 100% response rate. Seven out of the eight studied domains had a high self-perceived competency score, while only six of the 43 skills had a self-perceived competency score of less than 80%. Eight participants were interviewed for the second part of the study. Multiple enablers and barriers were identified and categorised into five themes, which were clinical time, student mental health, clinical teaching, cross-infection protocols, and communication and other faculty policies. Dental graduates affected by the COVID-19 pandemic had a good level of self-perceived clinical competency. The multiple factors identified as enablers and barriers to achieving clinical competency can be utilised as references in curriculum development, planning and policymaking, especially with regards to adaptations made to the undergraduate dental curricula worldwide.

Peer Review Statement

All papers published in this volume have been reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.• Type of peer review: Double Anonymous• Conference submission management system: Morressier• Number of submissions received: 21• Number of submissions sent for review: 19• Number of submissions accepted: 14• Acceptance Rate (Submissions Accepted / Submissions Received × 100): 66.7• Average number of reviews per paper: 1.9285714285714286• Total number of reviewers involved: 6• Contact person for queries: Name: Rasyikah Khalid Email: rasyikah@ukm.edu.my Affiliation: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Recent Trends and A Future Direction of Malaysia’s Climate Change Law Program

Climate change is a critical global issue that is predominantly caused by human activities. To equip students in higher education institutions (HEIs) with the necessary knowledge and skills to play an active role in mitigating the effects of climate change, HEIs need to incorporate climate change-related programs into their teaching curricula. These programs should emphasize law and policy, enabling students to become environmentally aware and motivated to act. The Climate Change Institute (Institut Perubahan Iklim or IPI) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia is among several (HEIs) in Malaysia offering a master’s program in Climate Change (Coursework), with a specialization in Environmental Science and Earth Science. This paper aims to analyse the structure of existing climate change programs at both public and private HEIs in Malaysia. Desk research is conducted to gather various information from the available structures involving seven public universities and two private universities in Malaysia which offer 24 environmental-related programs both in undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The findings were analysed by a constant comparative approach that is guided by the key themes of the study. The finding shows that all universities that offer law programs do not have climate change postgraduate law programs offered at their faculties. Other faculties, should they have such a similar program, are more related to sciences, engineering, technology and management. This paper concludes by providing insights into the key features of recent trends in the offering of climate change postgraduate law programs in Malaysia. Accordingly, the findings of the study would serve as a significant guide for the development of any new climate change policy and law programs in the future in line with United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal SDG13 on climate action which focus on Target 13.3 in improving education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. The new climate change postgraduate law program will also contribute to the sustainability of climate action, particularly in capacity building of the people on teaching delivery methods of climate change policy and law, protecting the planet, promoting prosperity, maintaining peace and establishing connections and partnerships in the teaching methods, such as global learning.

Editorial Notes

The International Sustainable Development Research Society (ISDRS) is a global network of academic and sustainable development experts. ISDRS will organise an annual conference to allow practitioners, researchers, academics, and students to network and share their latest research, case studies, experiences, and accomplishments within the context of sustainable development.Halfway through Agenda 2030, and amid the COVID-19 pandemic to endemic transition, people from every walk of life are experiencing changes in their lives. Governments worldwide are aligning their goals and targets to fit in the new ‘norms.’ Against this background, researchers were invited to share their work, which assesses the progress of SDGs, at the 29th ISDRS Conference from 11th to 13th July 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The Malaysia conference took place in the mid of Agenda 2030, seven years and a half after SDGs was first launched in 2015, and seven years and a half more towards 2030. It goes without saying that the most appropriate theme for the 2023 conference was “Half-way through Agenda 2030: Assessing the 5Ps of SDGs (people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership)”. Below are the commitments made by country leaders worldwide to the 5P back in 2015: People We are determined to end poverty and hunger in all their forms and dimensions and to ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment. Planet We are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations. Prosperity We are determined to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature. Peace We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. Partnership We are determined to mobilise the means required to implement this Agenda through a revitalised Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable and with the participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people. The Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM (or the National University of Malaysia), was proud to be the main organiser of the 29th ISDRS Conference. Other co-organizers were IDEA Centre UKM, Institute of Fuel Cell UKM, Institute of Visual Informatic UKM, Institute of the Malay World and Civilization UKM, UKM-Graduate School of Business, Hadhari Institute UKM and UKM Strategy Center.

The International Conference on Environmental and Earth Sciences

“Multidisciplinary Approach in the Environmental and Earth Sciences for Sustainable Development” ICEES 2023 (https://www.its.ac.id/tlingkungan/icees2023/) INTRODUCTION Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) celebrates its 63rd Anniversary on November 10th, 2023. To commemorate this moment, the Department of Environmental Engineering (DEE), Faculty of Civil, Planning, and Geo-Engineering (CIVPLAN) at ITS, in collaboration with the Department of Geophysics Engineering of ITS and the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), conducted the International Conference on Environmental and Earth Sciences (ICEES). ICEES 2023 took place in conjunction with the CIVPLAN’s International Conference, which serves as a platform to connect with other seminars held by each department within the faculty. Environmental issues have been increasing as a result of many factors that lead to potential detrimental effects on our children’s future. For the past 40 years, DEE has been spending tremendous efforts to contribute ways to reduce and minimize environmental pollution.This conference takes the general theme of the Multidisciplinary Approach in the Environmental and Earth Sciences for Sustainable Development, supporting the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Rapid population growth and economic development have become contributing factors to environmental degradation. Urban areas receive more pressure due to escalated urbanization, excess use of natural resources, and pollution of the environment. Environmental pollution has been linked to various diseases, such as water-borne diseases and respiratory diseases, and the endangerment of biodiversity. Over the past decades, cities in Asia have been rapidly growing. Climate change has exacerbated the deterioration in environmental quality in the cities. Communities living in small islands and coastal areas became more vulnerable than before.More efforts are needed to develop solutions to create sustainable cities and communities. ICEES 2023 emphasizes multidisciplinary research in environmental and earth sciences for sustainable development along with practices and fosters exchanges among scientists, practitioners, professionals, and young researchers who are concerned with the above aspects. DEE strives to contribute not only to society but also to knowledge updates.List of Objective, Conference Date and Platform, Participants, Acknowledgements, Sessions, Organizers, Contact person, Administration, Secretariat, Documentation, International Advisory Board, Scientific Committee are available in this Pdf.

A study of ear biometrics in autopsied cases at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre

BackgroundThe ears have increasingly been recognized as one of the supportive tools in forensics, based on the identification of landmark variations of ear biometrics in living persons. However, no studies on the reliability of such comparisons have been done on the deceased.MethodsThe study aimed to investigate the correlation between ear biometrics and the age, sex, and stature of the deceased. The study was conducted on 181 deceased persons, aged between 18 and 70 years old on cases received by the Forensic Unit of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. Documentation of age, sex, race, and height was recorded, and photographs of bilateral ears were taken. Measurements of twelve ear biometrics based on the Iannarelli method and ear length and ear width were taken from the photographs.ResultsResults showed that there was a significant difference between males and females in six ear biometrics. There was also a significant correlation between ear biometrics, that is, ear length and ear width with the age and height of an individual.ConclusionsIn brief, there exists a significant difference between males and females in ear biometrics with good correlations between ear biometrics and the height and age of an individual. Hence, the ear can be used for personal identification in the forensic field.

Trends of Academic Publications: A Case Study of Malaysian Research Universities

The Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia granted five universities with Research University (RU) status, which are Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). These RUs are expected to focus on research and innovation and become a model of Malaysian universities for research activities aimed at knowledge advancement. Publications are one of the performance indicators for RUs. Thus, this paper confined its scope to the publications produced from 2016 to 2020 by the five RUs. The study aimed to analyse the patterns related to the number of publications, subject areas, type of publications, international joint publications, and the language of the publications. The findings show that the number of publications increased for UPM, UKM, and USM over five years, while UTM champions four subjects: Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, and Environmental Science. Journal articles are the most prominent scholarly output for all RUs. All RUs actively collaborate with international scholars and use English as the primary language for publications.

Ulasan Buku: Kepentingan Nasional Jepun di Selat Melaka oleh Noraini Zulkifli dan Zarina Othman, Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) PRESS, 2020, 164 ms, ISBN: 9789674128067

Abstract: Book Review: Japan's National Interest in the Strait of Malacca by Noraini Zulkifli and Zarina Othman, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Press, 2020, 164 pp, ISBN: 9789674128067 This book review is written in Bahasa Malaysia. It is a reviewed article on the book written in Bahasa Malaysia and published by the UKM Press undertitled, Japan's National Interest in the Strait of Malacca. To access it, please order the printed version or browse the electronic version of this article. The abstract is not available for the book review.

Perception and Attitude of Undergraduate Medical Students and Lecturers towards the Problem-Based Learning of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Curriculum: An Inter-University Study

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centred approach by using clinical scenario to achieve the learning objectives. This study aimed to determine the perception and attitude of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Maldives National University (MNU) undergraduate medical students and lecturers towards PBL in UKM curriculum. A cross-sectional study was conducted by using online self-administered questionnaires based on a five-point Likert scale. The questionnaires were validated with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.907 and 0.703 for students and lecturers respectively. A total of 179 UKM and 61 MNU students, and 67 UKM lecturers and 8 MNU lecturers were recruited in the study. 86.69% and 69.87% of students had positive scores in perception and attitude assessment respectively. However, no significant differences were observed in median and mean scores for perception and attitude between gender, university, year of study, and cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of the respondents. For lecturers, 63.62% and 85.83% had positive scores for perception and attitude respectively. The attitude score among MNU lecturers was significantly higher than UKM lecturers. In conclusion, both students and lecturers showed positive perceptions and attitudes towards PBL of the UKM curriculum which gave benefits and contribution in enhancing knowledge, learning and soft skills.

Medical Educationduring COVID-19: Association between e-Learning Practice and Mental Health Status of Medical Students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

The emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to ensure the transition from face-to-face learning to online teaching for continuity of education. This study aimed to investigate the association between e-learning and mental health status of UKM medical students. A cross-sectional study was carried out among Years 4 and 5 UKM medical students. Participants were randomly selected from a registered list. Students’ perceptions of e-learning usage prior to and during COVID-19 pandemic and its relation to mental health status were assessed using The World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires. Mean scores for depression were 5.35 (SD 3.38) and anxiety 6.48 (SD 3.36). The frequency of e-learning usage per week was increased during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID period (p=0.045). Comparing the four domains of quality od life (QOL), psychological health had the lowest mean score of 62.63 (SD 15.22) while the environmental domain was the highest 69.34 (SD 10.92). Total QOL scores were significantly correlated with depression (p<0.001) and anxiety (p<0.001). This study provided insights into the effect of e-learning practice on medical students’ mental health status. A significant increase in e-learning usage during COVID-19 was observed.

Bridge to the Professional World: Students’ Perceptions on Industrial Training Program’s Efficacy and Obstacles

Industrial training program for students is a crucial component of the academic curriculum at most universities in Malaysia. The training is designed to reinforce theoretical and academic concepts by putting them into practice in real work scenarios. Recognizing the critical importance of exposing undergraduates to the workforce as a strategic measure for securing employment after graduation, most educational institutions in the country have emphasized the need for industrial training programs. This paper aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the industrial training program at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, specifically the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, as perceived by students, and to provide insightful suggestions for enhancing its overall effectiveness. The study adopts the thematic analysis approach as its methodology. Data were collected through intern students’ written reports and only the strengths and weaknesses of the internship program were focussed on. The elements for strengths were communication skills, problem-solving and critical thinking, independence and confidence, multi-tasking and time management, teamwork, technical skills, adaptability and networking and professionalism while the elements for weaknesses were excessive workload, limited access, mismatch of tasks to field of study, lack of guidance and training and inflexible work arrangement. It is suggested for the university and organizations to have a formal discussion in order to address the issues faced by both the interns and the organizations concerned.

The Relationship between Coping Strategies and Parenting Stress in Childhood Epilepsy

Background: Epilepsy is a common childhood disease that can lead to high stress levels in parents, subsequently affecting family dynamics. The coping strategies practised by parents often play a major role in determining the level of parenting stress. Objective: This study aimed to identify the proportion of parents with parenting stress among those who have children with epilepsy, to compare the level of stress in different domains (parent, child, and parent-child interaction) as well as to examine the relationship between parenting stress and parental coping strategies. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 61 parents of children with epilepsy aged between 2 to 12 years old were recruited from the Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM) paediatric clinic over eight months. Validated questionnaires were used to determine the parenting stress level and coping strategies. Results: The proportion of parents with high stress scores (13.1%) was lower in this study compared to previous studies, except for non-Malay parents. Among the three domains, 29.5% of parents reported a high stress level under Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction (P-CDI). A negative correlation was observed between active coping and total parenting stress scores (TPSS) (r = -0.323, p = 0.011). In contrast, there was a positive correlation between self-blame coping and TPSS (r = 0.315, p = 0.014). Conclusion: Parents of children with epilepsy mostly reported low TPSS, except for non-Malays. Parents are encouraged to practise more active coping and less self-blame in managing children with newly diagnosed epilepsy.