This study was designed to examine the relationships between problem-solving skills, hardiness, and perceived stress and to test the moderating role of hardiness in the relationship between problem-solving skills and perceived stress among 500 undergraduates from Malaysian public universities. The analyses showed that undergraduates with poor problem-solving confidence, external personal control of emotion, and approach-avoidance style were more likely to report perceived stress. Hardiness moderated the relationships between problem-solving skills and perceived stress. These findings reinforce the importance of moderating role of hardiness as an influencing factor that explains how problem-solving skills affect perceived stress among undergraduates.
To better understand depression among adolescent university students, this study was designed to examine coping style as a potential mediator between perfectionism and depression. Participants comprised 510 undergraduate students from Malaysia. Structural Equation Modelling demonstrated that personal standards perfectionism and task-focused coping style were negatively associated with depression, while emotion-focused coping style, avoidant coping style, and evaluative concerns perfectionism were positively associated with depression. Multiple mediator modelling provided evidence that coping styles partially mediated the relationship between perfectionism and depression. These findings advance current knowledge by suggesting how perfectionism may contribute to depression and may inform the development of more effective prevention and intervention programs for depression.
The aim of this study was to assess the wear of tungsten carbide burs and round rotary diamond instruments through measurements of rake angle and visual observations respectively under a field emission scanning electron microscope. Sixty short and long head pear-shaped tungsten carbide burs and 18 round rotary diamond instruments that had been used to complete < 5, > 5 and > 10 cavity preparations (n=10/group) were selected from the 3rd and 4th year dental students, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya. There were two control groups consisting of long and short tungsten carbide burs of ten each. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyse the rake angle data. The data from the two control groups were collectively analysed following multiple paired t-test (p>.05) which showed no significant difference between the two types of tungsten carbide bur (short and long head). The mean rake angle of the control group was significantly higher (p < .05) compared to the < 5, > 5 and > 10 cavity preparation groups. The rake angle of the > 10 cavity preparation group was significantly lower than the other two test groups (p < .05). Round rotary diamond instruments in the < 5 cavity preparation group showed intact diamond particles with distinct cutting facets comparable to the control group. However, diamonds instruments in the > 5 and > 10 cavity preparation groups showed blunt diamond particles. In conclusion, wear of tungsten carbide burs and round rotary diamond instruments were evident after repeated use. Wear was more pronounced when instruments were used to prepare more than ten cavities.
Introduction: Internet addiction is becoming a global problem and has been associated with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. There is a strong need for local research, given the recent rise of mental health issues amongst children and adolescents in Malaysia, as well as lack of research in this field locally. Methods: This study assessed the prevalence of internet addiction, and its association with internetrelated factors, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and self-esteem, amongst selected secondary school students in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. In a cross-sectional study, 199 adolescents were conveniently chosen from six randomly selected secondary schools within Klang Valley. Subjects completed a demographic questionnaire, as well as Malay versions of the Internet Addiction Test (MVIAT), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 anxiety subscale (DASS-21) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out. Results: This study found that 49.2% of students were addicted to the internet. Significant factors associated with internet addiction were spending longer hours online during the holidays (OR 1.20, CI 1.01-1.35), easy access to a computer (OR 4.01, CI 1.50 - 10.76), confiding on the internet (OR 4.07, CI 1.49-11.13), severe level of anxiety (OR 3.63, CI 1.04-12.73) and high depression scores (OR 1.10, CI 1.01-1.20). Contrary to previous studies, self-esteem was not found to be significantly associated with internet addiction. Conclusion: This study has important implications in relation to clinical practice, research, and policy-making in Malaysia.
The aim of study was to evaluate the level of satisfaction of patients treated in the undergraduate Year 4 and Year 5 of University of Malaya. The subjects were patients treated in the Year 4 periodontology clinic (Polyclinic B) (n=38) and Year 5 periodontology clinic (Polyclinic C) (n=30). Data was gathered using a questionnaire which consisted of 4 components namely appointment facilities, infrastructure and basic facilities, behaviour of students dental clinician, and quality and efficiency of treatment provided. The results showed that for appointment facilities the level of satisfaction was almost 80%; for infrastructure and basic facilities the satisfaction was more than 85%; for behavior of students dental clinician the level of satisfaction was more than 90% and for quality and efficiency of treatment provided the level of satisfaction was more than 60%. When all the components were compared between patients treated in Polyclinic B to patients treated in Polyclinic C, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). In conclusion, the level of satisfaction of patients treated in the undergraduate Year 4 and Year 5 periodontology clinic of University of Malaya is the same
This initial study was conducted from September to February 2009 to examine predictors of general well-being among academic college residents at a higher learning institution. A set of questions was sent to 150 students who identified themselves as residents of the academic college, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire - short version was used to measure personality traits.The Rosenberg Self-esteem Questionnairewas used to measure self-esteem and Satisfaction with Life Scale to measure life-satisfaction. The general well-being scale was used to measure general well-being. Inter-correlation analysis has shown that extraversion was significantly correlated to self-esteem, life-satisfaction and general well-being whilst life-satisfaction was significantly correlated to general well-being. Multiple regression analysis showed that three factors significantly contributed to general well-being with a 24% explained variance. No significant differences were found between gender and general well-being.
Research in the field of factors associated with depression among adolescents is lacking in Malaysia. The aims of the present study were to assess the current prevalence of depression and its related factors among secondary school students in Pasir Gudang, South Malaysia. In this cross sectional study, 2,927 secondary school students (13-17 years old) from urban areas were screened for symptoms of mental disorder as well as demographic and risk behaviors using a validated Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) 12 questionnaire. The majority of the respondents (53.8%) were Malay, of which 53.1% were female. Symptoms of mild depression were found in 33.2% of the respondents, while the prevalence of the symptoms of moderate, severe, and extremely severe depression was 21.5%, 18.1%, and 3.0%, respectively. Logistic regression suggested that participants who were Chinese or had a lower average grade were three times more likely to have depression, while those who came from a single-parent family were twice as likely to have this condition. This study indicated that academic performance and risk behaviors along with the demographic characteristics are important contributors to adolescent depression.
At present, the learning activities carried out is in line with the rapid growth of development of technology and lifestyle. ICT literacy is categorised as those who can operate a computer and Internet. This study is conducted to determine the level of computer and Internet literacy in generation Y. A total of ten respondents among university students were interviewed. The level of the skill is measured in terms of the use of information processing systems and the Internet. The new knowledge addresses the themes in information communication technology literacy namely; defining, accessing, assessing, managing, integrating, creating and passing data. As such, the model of computer technology in education can also be produced. A more robust method of learning can be heightened by seeing the level of skills possessed by university students. The findings of this study is expected to determine the level of competence of the students and university can provide the necessary equipment to ensure effective teaching and learning.
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the most reported occupational disease in Malaysia. ONIHL is aggravated by the presence of early hearing loss amongst the youth prior to entering a real working environment. At technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions, students may develop early ONIHL because training workshops are designed imitating the industrial working environment to produce skilled workers. The exceeding noise level at workshops and recent risk of non-occupational noise can cause early ONIHL among these students. Therefore, ONIHL must be addressed at the early stage of producing skilled workers. Octa hearing conservation index (OHCI) system is developed as a management and monitoring tool for hearing conservation program (HCP) in TVET institutions. Six existing and two new HCP components were used to build the index system. A pilot test on the effectiveness of the OHCI system was conducted in a selected TVET institution for six months. The post-HCP shows a 52.6% improvement compared to the pre-HCP. The implementation of HCP has shown improved awareness on the hazards of loud noise exposure and active use of hearing protection devices among participants. The OHCI system has a great potential as a tool to improve HCP implementation in TVET institutions, and eventually, industry.
Parameter estimation in Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (GARCH) model has received much attention in the literature. Commonly used quasi maximum likelihood estimator (QMLE) may not be suitable if the model is misspecified. Alternatively, we can consider using variance targeting estimator (VTE) as it seems to be a better fit for misspecified initial parameters. This paper extends the application to see how both QMLE and VTE perform under error distribution misspecifications. Data are simulated under two error distribution conditions: one is to have a true normal error distribution and the other is to have a true student-t error distribution with degree of freedom equals to 3. The error distribution assumption that has been selected for this study are: normal distribution, student-t distribution, skewed normal distribution and skewed student-t. In addition, this study also includes the effect of initial parameter specification.
Breaking bad news is a crucial communication delivered by healthcare professionals. This skill was
taught in Management and Science University, Malaysia using lecture previously. Realising the
instructional delivery gap, breaking bad news workshops was introduced involving not only the theory
of the skills but the hands on experience as well. This workshop incorporated peer-assisted learning
method in providing a friendly and conducive environment for the best learning experience for the
students. Five workshops were conducted with a total of 204 students. Students (n = 38–42 per
session) were given materials a week prior to the session to familiarise themselves with the workshop.
Trained peer-assisted tutors (n = 8) guided role-playing sessions as well as giving feedbacks. Students
found that the workshop to be useful adjunct to learning communication skills, specifically in breaking
bad news. Students considered peer-assisted learning method provided them with a safe environment
where mistakes were allowed, corrected and proper skills reiterated. In conclusion, learning breaking
bad news is feasible with peer-assistance.
Clinical reasoning is a vital medical education skill, yet its nuances in undergraduate primary care settings remain debated. This systematic review explores clinical reasoning teaching and learning intricacies within primary care. We redefine clinical reasoning as dynamically assimilating and prioritising synthesised patient, significant other, or healthcare professional information for diagnoses or non-diagnoses. This focused meta-synthesis applies transformative learning theory to primary care clinical reasoning education. A comprehensive analysis of 29 selected studies encompassing various designs made insights into clinical reasoning learning dimensions visible. Primary care placements in varying duration and settings foster diverse instructional methods like bedside teaching, clinical consultations, simulated clinics, virtual case libraries, and more. This review highlights the interplay between disease-oriented and patient-centred orientations in clinical reasoning learning. Transformative learning theory provides an innovative lens, revealing stages of initiation, persistence, time and space, and competence and confidence in students' clinical reasoning evolution. Clinical teachers guide this transformation, adopting roles as fortifiers, connoisseurs, mediators, and monitors. Patient engagement spans passive to active involvement, co-constructing clinical reasoning. The review underscores theoretical underpinnings' significance in shaping clinical reasoning pedagogy, advocating broader diversity. Intentional student guidance amid primary care complexities is vital. Utilising transformative learning, interventions bridging cognitive boundaries enhance meaningful clinical reasoning learning experiences. This study contributes insights for refining pedagogy, encouraging diverse research, and fostering holistic clinical reasoning development.
The Malaysian Education Blueprint (PPPM) 2013-2025 has spurred significant reforms in the Primary School Standard Curriculum (KSSR) and Secondary School Standard Curriculum (KSSM), particularly concerning classroom-based assessment (CBA). CBA evaluates students' understanding and progress, informs instruction, and enhances the learning outcomes. Teachers with robust pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) are better equipped to design and implement effective CBA strategies that accurately assess students' comprehension and growth, provide personalised feedback, and guide instruction. This study aims to investigate the relationship between PCK and CBA among English as a Second Language (ESL) secondary school teachers in Selangor, Malaysia. A 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to 338 teachers across 27 regional secondary schools in Selangor. The Covariance-based structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that the secondary school teachers demonstrated a high level of PCK, with content knowledge (CK) obtaining the highest mean, followed by pedagogical knowledge (PK) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The CBA practices among these teachers were also found to be high. SEM analysis showed a positive association between PK and CBA practices and between PCK and CBA. However, no positive association was observed between CK and CBA practices. In order to enhance teachers' PCK and ensure the effective implementation of CBA, which is crucial for student learning outcomes in Malaysian ESL secondary schools, it is recommended that continuous professional development opportunities be provided, specifically focusing on PCK and CBA.
This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with sexual initiation among the late adolescents in 6 institutions of higher learning in Malaysia. A total of 1572 students completed self-administered questionnaires between April and September 2013. Hierarchical multivariate logistic regression analyses stratified by gender were employed to identify the correlates of sexual initiation. The analyses were further adjusted by sampling weights. The overall prevalence of sexual initiation was 9.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.3-11.6), 18.1% (95% CI = 15.1-21.5) among males, and 4.1% (95% CI = 2.9-5.9) among females. The risk factors identified in this study supported the influence of the individual, family, and peer factors in the social-ecological model on adolescents' behaviors. The findings suggest the need for risk-reduction strategies aimed at the individual, family, and peer levels as well as the importance of gender-specific focus in assuring better outcomes.
Matched MeSH terms: Students/psychology*; Students/statistics & numerical data
The Open Market scenario provides high levels of unreliability to culinary arts graduates where they
are no longer promised a place in the hospitality and tourism sectors but rather to compete with
graduates from other fields for employment. Hence, the field of entrepreneurship is seen as an
alternative in building a career that can help in reducing the dumping of graduates in the job market in
line with the government's call encouraging more entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Therefore, this study is
aimed at identifying the tendency to entrepreneurship among students of the final year semester of the Diploma in Culinary Arts, Hospitality School and Tourism Kolej Yayasan Pelajaran Johor
(SHPKYPJ). Measurements for this study were based on surveys using questionnaire and data
collected by Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) Version 21.0. The results of the study
found that overall respondents have a high inclination towards entrepreneurship. If they are more
focused, encouragement and exposure are given to them, the probability that they become
entrepreneurs after graduation will be higher.
A comparative study was carried out to identify the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation among students in 3 different types of primary school localed in Ampang area, Kuala Lumpur. A survey of infection rate was done from April 10 June 2001. Stool samples were randomly collected from one·hundred and eleven schoolchildren aged 9-12 years were examined for intestinal parasites, using a light microscope (or direct smear and after concentration for formol-either method. It was found that an overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infection of schoolchildren was 51%. The infection rate of males and females was (60.3%) and (29.2%) respectively. Prevalence seems to be higher in the younger age groups. Also, the usual intestinal parasites were found more commonly in local and foreign schools than international schooL The local school had the highest prevalence (62%), followed by the foreign school (52%) and international school (38.9%). The prevalence in the international school was much lower compared to the local and foreign schools. KEYWORDS: Intestinal parasites, faecal samples, prevalence, schoolchildren
Background: Studies have acknowledged that social media enables students to connect with and learn from experts from different ties available in the students' personal learning environment (PLE). Incorporating experts into formal learning activities such as scaffolding problem-solving tasks through social media, allows students to understand how experts solve real-world problems. However, studies that evaluate experts' problem-solving styles on social media in relation to the tie strength of the experts with the students are scarce in the extant literature. This study aimed to explore the problem-solving styles that the experts portrayed based on their ties with the students in problem-based learning (PBL) on Facebook. Methods: This study employed a simultaneous within-subject experimental design which was conducted in three closed Facebook groups with 12 final year management students, six business experts, and one instructor as the participants. The experts were invited by the students from the weak and strong ties in their PLE. Hinging on the Strength of Weak Ties Theory (Granovetter, 1973) and problem-solving styles (Selby et al., 2004), this study employed thematic analysis using the ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software to map the experts' comments on Facebook. Results: The experts from strong and weak ties who had a prior relationship with the students showed people preference style by being more sensitive to the students' learning needs and demonstrating firmer scaffolding compared to the weak ties' experts who had no prior relationship with the students. Regardless of the types of ties, all experts applied all manner of processing information and orientation to change but the degree of its applications are correlated with the working experience of the experts. Conclusion: The use of weak or strong ties benefited the students as it expedited their problem-solving tasks since the experts have unique expertise to offer depending on the problem-solving styles that they exhibited.
Introduction: Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), sexual intention is determined by three main
socio-cognitive factors which are permissive attitudes, social-norms and self-efficacy in performing
premarital sexual activity. Premarital sex associated with increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases and
detrimental social implications. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation of the socio-cognitive
factors in predicting intention to engage in premarital sex amongst late adolescents in Kuantan government
secondary schools. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 466 pre-university students aged
18-19 years from nine government secondary schools in Kuantan district. A self-administered validated Youth
Sexual Intention Questionnaire (YSI-Q) was used. Statistical analyses were done using IBM SPSS version 22.0.
Results: Permissive attitude (r=0.579, p