Malaysian Young Adults Research Articles

Modelling the intention and adoption of cashless payment methods among the young adults in Malaysia

PurposeCashless payment is gradually replacing physical currency in almost every financial transaction across the world. Even though cashless payment methods have been available in Malaysia since a decade ago, their usage has remained relatively low in comparison to other countries. This study aims to analyse the elements that affect the Malaysian youth’s adoption intention and actual use of cashless payment by extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model with two key factors (perceived security [PS] and lifestyle compatibility [LC]).Design/methodology/approachData were gathered online from 364 Malaysian youths and processed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings revealed that performance expectancy (PE), LC and PS had a positive and substantial effect on the intention to use cashless payment (ICP). In contrast, effort expectancy (EE) and social influence did not have any considerable influence on ICP. Furthermore, ICP had substantial mediating effects between the adoption of cashless payment (ACP) and PE, LC and PS. In the analysis of the moderating effect of age, gender, experience and voluntariness, only experience had moderating effects on the associations between PE and ICP and between FC and ACP.Research limitations/implicationsThis study’s findings will be highly useful for marketers and the management as they plan their promotional and marketing tactics, with a focus on the factors that inspire customers to adopt cashless payments. Besides, architects and designers can benefit from the study results while designing and updating their services by consolidating consumers’ lifestyle standards as well as enhancing security features. Finally, governments may support service providers with security building through legislative measures and policy campaigns to strengthen the trustworthiness and mass adoption of contactless payment.Originality/valueThis study extended the UTAUT model with two new variables, i.e. PS and LC.

Psychological distress and its correlation with weight change in young adults in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the correlation between psychological distress and weight change in Malaysian young adults after the pandemic-led lockdowns. Socio-demographics, body height, body weight during the Movement Control Order 3.0 (MCO 3.0), and post-lockdown body weight (as of January 2022) were self-reported by the young adults. Psychological distress was assessed using a validated 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Of the 536 young adults, 54.1% experienced mild to extremely severe anxiety, 47.0% suffered mild to extremely severe depression, and 30.0% experienced mild to extremely severe stress in the post-lockdown pandemic phase. In reference to absolute weight change, 50.6% of the young adults gained weight due to confinement, with an average weight gain of 3.41 ± 2.49 kg. Conversely, 32.0% of the young adults had a lighter weight during the MCO 3.0 than before, with an average weight loss of 3.96 ± 2.76 kg. Additionally, the trajectory in body weight was also expressed in relative weight change. Findings revealed that 23.1% of the young adults gained weight in the post-lockdown pandemic phase, with an average relative weight gain of 9.04 ± 3.90%. On the contrary, approximately one-fifth (17.4%) of the young adults lost weight, with an average relative weight loss of −8.57 ± 2.79%. There were no significant correlations (p> 0.05) between depression, anxiety, and stress with absolute or relative weight change, even after controlling for the socio-demographic variation among young adults. The federal government of Malaysia should take necessary actions to alleviate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and reiterate the importance of sustaining a healthy body weight in young adults.

Which Factors Contribute to the Homeownership Decision? A Preliminary Study of Malaysia’s Young Adult

Young adults refer to those between 25 and 40 years of age who had established themselves in the society. The increasing house price and interest rates has put homeownership among young adults are at risk. Most of young adults in Malaysia are opted to renting rather than owning the house. This research aims to assess the challenges faced by young adults in owning a house in Klang Valley. Klang Valley is chosen as study area because it is the center for development and economic of Malaysia, thus has been the focus of government policy and developer activities pertaining to housing. The survey was conducted with 385 respondents who stays and work in Klang Valley, by using simple random sampling. The data were collected and analyzed to have a better understanding on the challenges facing by young adults in owning a house in Klang Valley area. The study discovers that the most significant main factor influencing homeownership decision was location factors (M= 3.79), followed by Behavioral Factors (M=3.46) and lastly, Financial & Economic Factors (M=3.22).

Impact of Nutrition Education on University Students’ Eating Behavior among Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia

Young adults in Malaysia are suffering from alarmingly high rates of obesity, and more than half of the students do not consume enough essential nutrients, according to Malaysian recommendations. There are indicators of links between nutrition education and eating behavior, but the results are lacking in the body of knowledge. Hence, this study is to ascertain this hypothesis. In terms of methodology, this study was conducted using a quantitative research design and was based on the opinions of 222 university students studying in the faculties or departments of food science or nutrition at two public universities and two private universities. The instrument was modified to measure the students' eating behaviors and a nutrition education program for data collection. Non-parametric statistics, descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and the t-test were employed in the analysis. Most students were found to "strongly agree" with their nutrition education program, and they exhibited acceptable eating behaviors. There is no statistically significant link between a nutrition education program and eating behaviors in terms of the relationship between the variables. Additionally, the variation in eating behaviors between private and public universities is not noticeably different.

Identifying dietary pattern associated with adiposity among Malaysian young adults

BACKGROUND: Recognizing food groups consumption in young adults offers an opportunity to improve dietary pattern in early adulthood. OBJECTIVE: Hence, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine food groups’ intake of young adults and to identify food groups associated with adiposity. METHODS: Youths aged 18–25 years old from private universities in Klang Valley, Malaysia, participated in the study (n = 294). Three days 24-hour dietary recall assessed youths’ food groups intake. Adiposity (BMI, body fat percentage, visceral fat level, waist circumference) was determined based on standard protocol. Height was measured using SECA 206 body meter, while weight, body fat percentage, and visceral fat level were measured using the Omron HBF-356 Body Fat Analyzer. Waist circumference was determined using a measuring tape. RESULTS: In total, 49.3% and 34.7% of youths were overweight/obese and abdominally obese, respectively. The median visceral fat level was 4 (6). Youths consumed 214 (247) kcal of ultra-processed foods daily and exceeded the sugar [32.43 (41.20) g] and sodium recommendation [2425.26 (1455.18) mg]. Fruits [0.29±0.72 servings/day], vegetables [0.95±0.77 servings/day] and milk [0.24±0.38 servings/day] were below recommendations. Increased intake of meat and sodium were associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and visceral fat (p < 0.001). Greater intake of ultra-processed food was associated with high BMI (p = 0.009), waist circumference (p = 0.046), and visceral fat (p = 0.014). Besides, high sugar intake was associated with greater BMI (p = 0.003), body fat percentage (p = 0.020), and visceral fat (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Meat, sugar, sodium, and ultra-processed foods were high-risk foods associated with adiposity among young adults. There is a need to improve education and support to promote healthy eating for chronic disease prevention related to metabolic abnormalities.

Phishing victimization among Malaysian young adults: cyber routine activities theory and attitude in information sharing online

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of exposure to motivated offenders who may alter the vulnerability levels to phishing victimization. This is particularly focused on explaining the influences of individuals’ online lifestyles and attitudes toward information sharing online on phishing susceptibility.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper explores the risk of phishing victimization using criminological theories. The authors draw on empirical evidence from existing cybercrime literature and revisit routine activities theory (RAT) and lifestyle RAT (LRAT) to elucidate the risk of phishing victimization. This paper proposes that cyber-RAT, which was developed from RAT and LRAT, could interpret phishing victimization. Grounded on the intervention-based theory against cybercrime phishing, this study suggests that an attitude toward precautionary behavior (information sharing online) is essential to mitigate the phishing victimization risk.FindingsThis paper aims to provide a clear insight into the understanding of phishing victimization risk using theoretical and empirical evidence.Originality/valueThe theoretical perspective outlined provides the understanding of the impacts of online routine activities on a phishing attack which in turn will increase the awareness of phishing threats. The important role of the precautionary countermeasure, that is, attitudes toward information sharing online is highlighted to reconcile the phishing victimization risk.

Effectiveness of a complex, pre-conception intervention to reduce the risk of diabetes by reducing adiposity in young adults in Malaysia: The Jom Mama project - A randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundPre-conception interventions have the potential to lower non-communicable disease risk in prospective parents and reduce transmission of risk factors such as obesity to the next generation. The Jom Mama project in Malaysia investigated the effectiveness of a combined behaviour change communication and e-health intervention in young married couples prior to first pregnancy. This paper reports the evaluation of the effectiveness of this trial.MethodsJom Mama was a non-blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT) conducted in Seremban, Malaysia, over a period of 33 weeks, covering six contact points between trained community health workers and newly married couples before the conception of a first child. Out of 2075 eligible nulliparous women, 549 participated and 305 completed the intervention, with 145 women in the intervention and 160 in the control group. The intervention group received a complex behavioural change intervention, combining behaviour change communication provided by community health promoters and access to a habit formation mobile application, while the control group received the standard care provided by public health clinics in Malaysia. The primary outcome was a change in the woman’s waist circumference. Secondary outcomes were anthropometric and metabolic measures, dietary intake (Food Frequency Questionnaire, FFQ), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ) and mental health (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, DASS 21). An extensive process evaluation was conducted alongside the trial in order to aid the interpretation of the main findings.ResultsThere were no significant differences of change in the woman’s waist circumference between intervention and control groups at the start and end of the intervention. While the weight, waist circumference and Body Mass Index (BMI) of women in both groups increased, there was a significantly lower increase in the intervention vs the control group over the period of the trial among women who are obese (0.1 kg vs 1.7 kg; P = 0.023, in the intervention and control group respectively). In terms of BMI, the obese intervention subgroup showed a slight reduction (0.01) compared to the obese control subgroup whose BMI increased by 0.7 (P = 0.015). There were no changes in the other secondary outcomes.ConclusionsThe Jom Mama pre-conception intervention did not lead to a reduction in waist circumference or significant changes in other secondary outcomes over the eight months prior to conception. However, there was a significantly smaller weight gain in the intervention vs the control group, predominantly in women with pre-existing obesity.

Socio-demographic Predictors for Misinformation Sharing and Authenticating amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic among Malaysian Young Adults

This study investigates the socio-demographic predictors for misinformation sharing and authenticating behavior among Malaysian young adults, based on data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic through a self-reporting survey. A total of 833 Malaysians aged between 18 and 35 years old were recruited. Results indicate that 64.5% (n = 537) of the respondents authenticated suspicious news, 16% (n = 133) shared misinformation knowingly, while 30% (n = 250) did so unknowingly. Frequency of sharing news (β = 0.229, p < 0.001), frequency of social media use (β = 0.135, p = 0.03), frequency of access to online news portals (β = - 0.141, p = 0.007) and the ability to identify misinformation (β = -0.161, p < 0.001) significantly predicted misinformation sharing. Conversely, only frequency of sharing news (β = -0.425; p < 0.001) and importance of reading real news (β = 0.873; p < 0.001) predicted authentication behavior. Findings suggest that the majority of the misinformation sharing behavior is accidental instead of intentional, and proposes several strategies that can be adopted to mitigate the wide spread of misinformation including seminars and trainings to improve an individual's social media literacy, critical thinking and analytical skill and also one's social responsibility as a good citizen.

Addiction on TikTok among Young Adults in Malaysia

Addiction on TikTok among Young Adults in Malaysia

Redefining Online Reading Behaviour among Malaysian Young Adults

The reading trend among young adults has changed from reading printed materials to reading online. These led to significant changes in their reading habits, attitudes, and interests, This study was undertaken to investigate the online reading experiences of young adults in Malaysia.A mixed-method explanatory approach was adopted and data were analyzed using Drouilard's (2009) framework to identify their reading experiences. The results showed some critical implications such as factors identified as motivation to read intrinsically and types of reading materials. It is hoped that more research regarding the multidimensionality of reading among Malaysian young adults are conducted in the future. Keywords: reading experiences; reading habits; reading interests; habits, attitudes; young adults eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning &amp; Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i20.3379

Mediating Effect of Financial Behaviour on the Relationship Between Perceived Financial Wellbeing and Its Factors Among Low-Income Young Adults in Malaysia.

The main objective of this study is to investigate the associations between financial knowledge, locus of control (LOC) and perceived financial wellbeing (FWB) with financial behaviour as a mediator among young adults from low-income households in Malaysia, controlling for education and income. The sample of this study consisted of 482 young adults from five different zones in Peninsular and East Malaysia, which were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a set of questionnaire-based surveys. The data were then analysed using Covariance Based Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The study found that financial knowledge and external LOC as well as financial behaviour were significantly correlated with the perceived FWB of low-income young adults in Malaysia. The results also revealed that financial behaviour mediates the influence by financial knowledge and internal LOC on perceived FWB controlling for education and income. The findings of this study provide insights into the factors of perceived FWB of low-income young adults in Peninsular and East Malaysia. Policymakers, government and non-government organisations may utilise this study to develop new policies, financial programmes or campaigns to enhance the FWB of low-income young adults in Malaysia.

Factors Associated with Attitudes towards Rejecting Intimate Partner Violence among Young Adults in Malaysia.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue, which is health threatening across all age groups, including young adults, and makes them and vulnerable. The rejection of IPV and willingness to disclose IPV as part of the solution are important as they correlate to this concealed violent behavior. This study aimed to investigate determinants of attitudes towards rejecting IPV among young adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 405 young adults attending premarital courses who were selected using purposive sampling. A validated questionnaire (MYPAIPVQ) was used as the study instrument. Logistic regression analyses were performed to test for associations between sociodemographic characteristics and relationship status with attitudes towards IPV. Attitudes towards rejecting IPV included not accepting IPV and have the willing to disclose it. About half of the premarital young adults (50.4%) had attitudes towards rejecting IPV. In the regression analysis, age (AdjOR 1.12), female (AdjOR 2.49), self-employed (AdjOR 0.20), and drama as sources of information (AdjOR 3.66) were significantly associated with attitudes towards rejecting IPV. The findings have potentially important implications for interventions aimed at preventing violence among the young adult population as they are vulnerable to being involved in IPV in the future.

Investigating the Links Between Body Composition and Female University Students’ Night Eating Habits and Sleep Quality

Background: Malaysia has the highest prevalence of obesity among Southeast Asian countries, and the current number is expected to increase further. In particular, the rate of obesity is reportedly increasing among females and young adults in Malaysia. Modern lifestyle habits, which include night eating and poor sleep quality, have been shown to increase the risk of obesity and high body fat. This study aims to determine the link between female university students’ body composition and their night eating habits and sleep quality. Methods: Body composition was measured using a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) analyzer. Night eating syndrome and sleeping pattern and quality were determined using the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Results: A total of 112 female students participated in this study, the majority (66.1%) of whom were categorized as having normal weight. Their body fat percentages (28.0 ± 6.1) were found to be lower than the standard value for Asian women. Most of the subjects were categorized as having normal night eating (93.8%) and poor sleep (76.8%) patterns. The correlation analysis results indicated significant relationships between sleep quality and night eating habit and body weight. Furthermore, analysis using binary logistic regression showed a protective relationship between muscle mass and sleeping habit. Conclusions: This study showed that the majority of the university students had poor sleep quality. This is an alarming finding. Therefore, further investigations on factors related to poor sleep quality among young adults are required.

Poor self-regulation in eating behaviour during the COVID-19 lockdown contributes to weight gain among young adults in Malaysia

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study aims to investigate physical activity, self-regulation in eating behaviour, and their associations with body weight trajectory during the COVID-19 nationwide lockdown (Movement Control Order, MCO) in Malaysia. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was used to assess physical activity and sitting time during the MCO. Self-regulation in eating behaviour was evaluated with the Self-Regulation of Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (SREBQ), while weight trajectory was self-reported by the respondents. Of the 200 young adults, 82.0% were reported to be physically active during the MCO, with a weekly physical activity intensity of 4551.16 ± 4744.89 MET-minute. Young adults in this study spent 8.63 ± 4.47 hours/day on sedentary activities during the MCO. It is also noted that the majority (71.0%) had medium self-regulation in eating behaviour during the lockdown, with a mean score of 3.08 ± 0.49. Slightly more than half of the young adults (57.0%) gained weight since the MCO enforcement, with an average weight increment of 1.28 ± 0.60 kg. Findings from the multinomial logistic regression suggested that self-regulation in eating behaviour was a significant predictor for weight trajectory during the MCO. Young adults who attained a higher score in SREBQ were more likely in sustained weight (AOR = 2.514, p = 0.024, CI: 1.129–5.597) and weight loss (AOR = 2.624, p = 0.011, CI: 1.250–5.507) categories. In conclusion, poor response to food cues (poor self-regulation in eating behaviour), but not physical inactivity, led to weight gain during the MCO in Malaysia.

Bidimensional self-esteem and sexual functioning among Malaysian young adults: the moderating role of relationship status

ABSTRACT Despite typically being studied as a unidimensional construct, self-esteem has been proposed to comprise of two distinct but highly correlated domains: self-competence and self-liking. This study aimed to examine how the two domains of self-esteem predict the sexual functioning of young adults in Malaysia, and the potential role of relationship status as a moderator. A total of 314 Malaysian young adults aged 21.08 years on average (SD = 1.84) completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Female Sexual Function Index. Results suggest that self-competence, but not self-liking, was positively associated with sexual arousal, lubrication/erection, and orgasm among those who were single. Aside from the sexual functioning domain of sexual pain, no significant associations between self-esteem and sexual functioning were found among those who were in a relationship. These findings provide support to the bidimensional conceptualisation of self-esteem in the context of sexual well-being.

The Acceptance of Instagram Contents as a Source to Improve Self-Motivation Among Young Adults in Malaysia

Online social networking has transformed communication in today’s era. The rise of digital communication brings new phenomenon in the form of human communication with the existence of social media such as Instagram. Instagram contents are varied; entertaining, educational and some are motivational. In particular, users are interested in Instagram contents to increase motivation generated by using quotes. Instagram concept of posting images with descriptions make Instagram users to view and like the contents that lead to the psychological traits such as confidence, courage and self-motivation. This paper attempts to examine the acceptance of Instagram contents as a source to improve self- motivation among young adults in Malaysia. Quantitative design is applied where a total of 312 respondents of Instagram users who are young adults from UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Kampus Rembau had answered a survey to know their acceptance of Instagram contents in elevating their motivation. The survey indicated that inspirational contents on Instagram is the main factor for young adults in boosting their self-motivation. The result shown that inspirational contents on Instagram really did in motivating young adults when they are demotivated yet felt a sense of calmness and relief after reading or viewing the inspirational content on Instagram. This study provides significant implications on people’s live where in this technology and social media era in order to increase the positive effects of social media on emotional well-being. As social media becomes more significant in people’s lives, it is important to know that social media, Instagram is a culture that people rely on as a medium for information and to raise motivations.

Secondhand smoke exposure from the indoor and outdoor shisha centers located at the perimeter of educational institutions in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study.

Shisha is a centuries-old traditional smoking habit rapidly gaining popularity among the students and young adults in Malaysia. The present study evaluated secondhand smoke exposure (SHS) and characteristics of 25 indoor and 25 outdoor shisha centers (SC) operating around the educational institutes such as universities in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. We observed a significantly higher particulate matter (PM)2.5 concentration in indoor than outdoor SC (3595.28 μg/m3 and 65.12 μg/m3, p < 0.001, respectively). SCs are offering different flavors to attract clients and exposing students and young professionals to a significantly high concentration of SHS. Such exposures may pose a serious health risk. Therefore, policymakers need to strengthen tobacco guidelines and eliminate loopholes in the sale of shisha by enforcing comprehensive and strict smoke-free laws.

Exploring reader responses to young adult literature in the Malaysian English language classroom

This article presents the results of a study exploring the reader-responses of Malaysian young adults (YAs) to the literature texts used in Malaysian secondary schools, Dear Mr. Kilmer by Anne Schraff, Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford, and Sing to the Dawn by Minfong Ho. The study aimed to determine the extent to which the YAs found these texts engaging and relevant, and how they identified aspects of their own young adulthood in the novels. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods through questionnaires completed by 30 Malaysian YAs, semi-structured qualitative interviews with a sub-group of six participants, and their journal reflections. Using reader-response literary theory as the guiding framework, the data were analysed quantitatively through descriptive statistical analyses, and qualitatively through inductive thematic analysis, in order to examine the extent to which Malaysian YAs could identify with the main characters, themes, issues, or events in the novels and determine the relevance of the novels to their lives. The findings showed that the participants identified with the characters’ conflict between being true to one’s self and conforming to societal and gender expectations. The themes of standing up for one’s beliefs and right to education, combating social inequities, and family relationships were also relevant aspects that surfaced in responses towards the novels. This study provides recommendations for the selection of literary texts for the English language classroom that connect to the developmental phase of young adults and allow learners to see themselves reflected in what they read.

Changes in Dietary Intake Patterns and Weight Status during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study Focusing on Young Adults in Malaysia.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) isolation has altered individuals’ food purchasing behaviour and dietary intake patterns. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the changes in dietary intake patterns and their impacts on the weight status of young adults in Malaysia during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 1045 young adults in Malaysia. The changes in dietary intake patterns were assessed using the Dietary Diversity Questionnaire with slight modifications, while anthropometric measurements including body height, body weight before the pandemic and current body weight were self-reported. Results: Overall, nearly half of the respondents (48.8%) gained weight during the confinement, with an average increment of 4.06 ± 3.23 kg. Of 1045, 45.3% reported consuming more fruits and 60.2% had higher plain water intake during the pandemic. It is observed that 41.0% to 66.8% of the young adults changed their dietary intake patterns during the pandemic. Increased consumption in cereals and grains (β = 0.084, p = 0.015, 95% CI = 0.017–0.160), as well as oils and fats (β = 0.123, p = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.059–0.241), was positively associated with weight gain during the pandemic. On the contrary, an increased plain water intake was negatively associated with weight gain during the lockdown (β = −0.100, p = 0.003, 95% CI = −0.171–−0.034). Findings in the current study also suggested that cutting back cereals and grains (β = 0.156, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.122–0.288), as well as oils and fats (β = 0.091, p = 0.012, 95% CI = 0.022–0.183), contributed significantly to weight loss during the pandemic confinement. Conclusion: In conclusion, the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) drove up the prevalence of overweight/obesity among young adults in Malaysia. Increased consumption of cereals and grains and oils and fats contributed to weight gain in the pandemic lockdown. Nonetheless, a noticeable proportion of young adults in Malaysia shifted to a healthier food choice by increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Assessing the Psychometric Properties of the Smartphone Addiction Inventory and Development of a New Short-Form Among Young Adults in Malaysia

Assessing the Psychometric Properties of the Smartphone Addiction Inventory and Development of a New Short-Form Among Young Adults in Malaysia