ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Daily use and improper management of plastic materials by the public contributes to the occurrence of microplastic pollution. It can be acknowledged that knowledge and attitudes are one of the keys to reducing the release of microplastic into the environment. Therefore, enhancing student’s understanding may play an important role in effective solution innovation and readiness to take specific actions for environmental protection. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among university students using an online questionnaire to assess their knowledge and attitudes about microplastic pollution. For data analysis, Pearson’s Chi-square was conducted using SPSS version 26. Results: Findings revealed that students have moderate knowledge (4.66) and attitudes (5.42) towards microplastic pollution. However, neither age, gender, CGPA, nor the course in which they studied had any significant association with their level of knowledge and attitudes (p>0.05). In fact, the level of knowledge and attitude reported by respondents indicate that it is necessary to address this deficiency by providing education through structured education and mass media, along with vigorous policy enforcement and replacement of conventional plastics. Conclusion: Education on microplastics among the younger generation is key to curbing the problem of microplastic pollution. As future consumers, the demand for alternative products that does not contribute to microplastic can help encourage brands and markets to come up with better solution that is critical to prevent this problem from worsening.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: : Current tuberculosis (TB) eradication strategies have shifted away from the medical sphere, focusing on a more holistic approach that encompasses both healthcare and social support. This means a greater emphasis on TB prevention strategies, particularly on social determinants of TB. Using a locality in Malaysia as a case study, a research was carried out among 844 TB cases in Pasir Mas, Kelantan (2013 to 2017) to identify the socioeconomic distributions of TB defaulters and its implications for current TB prevention strategies. Methods: TB patients’ sociodemographic characteristics and treatment outcomes were extracted and analyzed from the Malaysian registry. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to determine sociodemographic factors associated with TB defaulters. Results: Gender, age and education levels were significantly associated with default treatment (p<0.05), highlighting the need to focus on adult male patients with low educational background. Conclusion: Results indicate that current national TB management needs to focus on targeting those at increased risk of defaulting by understanding gender-specific challenges to treatment. While more research is needed to explore the gender associated issues related to treatment defaulting, we are also calling for a change in current TB management practices to one that focuses on gender-specific intervention that addresses personal and societal challenges to TB treatment.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Food insecurity is currently a problem faced by both developing and developed nations. Issues of food insecurity reflect both social and economic challenges, posing a significant policy dilemma. Although there has been various research on food insecurity, very little has been done to better understand what are the sociodemographic factors that can predict food insecurity within a Malaysian context, especially amongst the unique community of Malay university students, which makes up the largest group of students in tertiary education. Therefore, this study examined the prevalence of food insecurity and its associated factors among Malay university students. Methods: Conducted in Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Campus, conveniently sampled participants (n = 181) completed a pre-tested English version of the US Adult Food Security Survey Module (AFSSM) questions in 2015, which measures their level of food security status. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the sociodemographic predictors of food insecurity among the sampled population. Results: More than one-third of participants (42.5%) reported food insecurity within the past year with 22.1% experiencing very low food insecurity. Additionally, of those who experienced food security, 5.4% reported a low food security status. However, no significant predictors were observed positively related to food insecurity. Conclusion: Data indicates that food insecurity is a significant problem among university students and additional research is needed to better understand and address food insecurity in higher education.