International Journal of Allied Health Sciences

Plastic Anxiety: Is There a Cause for Alarm?

Suzanah Abdul Rahman — 2026-07-31

COVER PAGE

Editorial Team IJAHS — 2026-07-31

REGULAR ISSUE VOLUME 10, NUMBER 2 (2026)

Editorial Team IJAHS — 2026-07-31

Early Corneal Remodelling Following Topography-Guided Femtosecond LASIK: A Three-Month Retrospective Analysis

Ibrahim Nasir — 2026-07-31

Background: Topography-guided femtosecond LASIK (TG-Femto-LASIK) improves corneal shape uniformity while correcting refractive errors. Although visual and refractive outcomes have been widely reported, fewer studies have focused on corneal shape indices and ectasia-related safety parameters, which are essential for evaluating postoperative stability. This study aimed to assess three-month changes in corneal remodeling and safety markers following TG-Femto-LASIK. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 50 eyes that underwent TG-Femto-LASIK at the IIUM Eye Specialist Clinic. Preoperative and three-month postoperative values of keratometry (K1, K2), corneal astigmatism, and axial inferior–superior (I–S) index were compared using paired t-tests. Preoperative Randleman ectasia scores and postoperative residual stromal bed (RSB) thickness were assessed as safety parameters. Results were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values. Results: At three months, K1 decreased by 4.22 D (95% CI 3.85–4.59, p<0.001) and K2 by 3.55 D (95% CI 3.20–3.90, p<0.001). Corneal astigmatism reduced by 1.04 D (95% CI 0.65–1.42, p<0.001). The axial I–S index increased by 0.24 D (95% CI 0.07–0.41, p=0.006). Mean preoperative Randleman score was 2.12 ± 1.49; postoperative RSB averaged 346.8 ± 38.9 µm (range 281–449 µm). Conclusion: TG-Femto-LASIK effectively reshapes the cornea by significantly reducing keratometry and astigmatism while maintaining corneal symmetry within physiological limits. The minor increase in the I–S index remained below ectasia-suspect thresholds, and safety metrics—namely the Randleman score and RSB—confirmed that all procedures were performed within accepted biomechanical margins. These findings highlight TG-Femto-LASIK as a safe and effective procedure for early postoperative corneal stability.

Evaluating the Suitability of ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy for Screening Suspected Microplastics (MPs) in Human Breast Milk (HBM)

Norafiza Zainuddin — 2026-07-31

Background: Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly detected in human biological samples, including human breast milk (HBM), raising concerns regarding infant exposure during early development. However, analysing MPs in HBM remains challenging due to its complex composition and limited standardised detection methods. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy for identifying MPs in HBM following enzymatic digestion and oxidative treatment. Methods: Processed samples were filtered, visually screened under a stereomicroscope, and analysed using ATR-FTIR. Spectral matches were compared with a polymer reference library. Results: Several polymer signatures were detected, including polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), with match scores ranging from low to moderate confidence (0.43–0.55). These findings show that ATR-FTIR can support preliminary MP screening in HBM, but accuracy is limited by spectral resolution, library constraints and contamination risks. Improved contamination control upgraded software libraries, and integration of complementary techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis-GC-MS are recommended to strengthen reliability. Conclusion: Overall, this work provides early analytical insight into MP detection in HBM and highlights key considerations for method optimisation in future studies.

Wrist Pain, Technological Device Use, and Perceived Academic Performance Among Computer Studies Students in a Selected Higher Educational Institution

Regine Ojastro — 2026-07-31

Background: The increasing reliance on technological devices in higher education, particularly in computer-related academic programs, has raised concerns regarding the development of musculoskeletal complaints such as wrist pain. Prolonged use of laptops, desktops, and handheld devices may contribute to repetitive strain and discomfort, potentially affecting students’ functional capacity and academic engagement. However, limited evidence exists regarding the relationship between wrist pain, device usage patterns, and academic performance among students in technology-intensive programs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of wrist pain, describe patterns of technological device use, and examine their association with perceived academic performance among College of Computer Studies (CCS) students. Methods: A descriptive-correlational and comaparative cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from 180 CCS students using structured, self-administered online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The survey assessed wrist pain prevalence, frequency and type of technological device used, and perceived academic performance measured on a Likert scale. Spearman’s rank-order correlation was used to examine the association between wrist pain and device use frequency, while an idependent samples t-test compared academic performance between students with and without wrist pain. Results: Wrist pain prevalence was 40.55% among respondents, with laptops/desktops identified as the most frequently used devices. Most students rated their academic performance as “good.” No statistically significant association was found between wrist pain and frequency of device use. However, a significant difference in perceived academic performance was observed between students with and without wrist pain, with higher performance reported among those without wrist pain. Conclusion: While device usage frequency was not significantly associated with wrist pain, the presence of wrist pain was linked to lower perceived academic performance. These findings underscore the potential academic implications of musculoskeletal discomfort among students in technology-intensive academic programs and highlight the importance of preventive ergonomic strategies.

Clinical Predictors of Abnormal Findings on Urgent CT Brain Scans in Adult Non-trauma Patients at a Tertiary Hospital

Mohamad Akram Ruslan — 2026-07-31

Background: Computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain is widely used for assessing various neurological conditions and remains the imaging modality of choice in acute and emergency settings. However, CT brain in non-traumatic patients has been reported to have a low diagnostic yield of about 15%. This study aims to identify the prevalence of abnormal urgent CT brain performed in non-trauma adult patients in our centre and the clinical predictors associated with the significant abnormal findings. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study of urgent CT brains in patients aged 18 years or older who did not have head trauma or known intracranial pathology in Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @IIUM (SASMEC) from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020. A universal sampling of all urgent CT brain examinations done during the study period were traced from the Radiology Information System (RIS). Exclusion criteria include patient’s younger than 18 years old, patients with history of head trauma and patients with known history of any intracranial pathologic process. Results: A total of 771 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The majority of the urgent CT brain examinations for non-trauma adult patients were from the Emergency Department, which contributed to 600 cases (77.8%). Our study showed abnormal CT brain findings in 503 patients (65.2%). Our study showed age (adjusted odds ratio: 1.03; 95% confidence interval: 1.01 – 1.04; p-value: < 0.001), headache (adjusted odds ratio: 1.87; 95% confidence interval: 1.17 – 3.00; p-value: 0.009), focal neurological deficit (adjusted odds ratio 0.387; 95% confidence interval: 0.25 – 0.59; p-value: < 0.001), deranged blood pressure (adjusted odds ratio: 0.71, 95% confidence interval CI: 0.55-0.59; p-value: 0.042) and known malignancy (adjusted odds ratio 2.14; 95% CI: 1.02-4.49, p-value: 0.043) are the clinical predictors of these abnormal CT brains. Conclusion: Our study shows positive (abnormal) findings in 65.2% of urgent CT brain examinations among non-trauma adult patients. This suggests good selective criteria by our clinicians in using urgent CT brain scan for neurological assessment in adult non-trauma patients. Age, headache, focal neurological deficits, deranged blood pressure and known malignancy are the significant clinical predictors for these abnormal CT brains.

Association between Piper betle’s Leaf Venation Patterns and Its Antioxidant Status – A Preliminary Study

Aisyah Nabilah Zulkifli — 2026-07-31

Background: In Malay tradition, "sirih bertemu urat" (converging veins) and "sirih tidak bertemu urat" (non-converging veins) are terms used for betel leaves on the same plants but with different pattern. Morphologically, "bertemu urat" leaves exhibit the left and right veins (nerves lateral) meet at the central vein, while non-"bertemu urat" leaves lack this characteristic. Despite limited scientific evidence supporting their efficacy, Malay Traditional Medicine favors the use of P. betle "bertemu urat" leaves for medicinal purposes. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the antioxidant status of extracts from both "bertemu urat" and non-"bertemu urat" betel leaves by analyzing phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Methods: The leaves were subjected to a maceration process in an incubator shaker using 80% methanol to obtain the extract. The total phenolic content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH and FRAP assays. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the phenolic content between P. betel "bertemu urat" and P. betel non-"bertemu urat," indicating that P. betel "bertemu urat" has a higher phenolic content compared to P. betel non-"bertemu urat.". The results obtained from the DPPH and FRAP assays suggested that P. betel “bertemu urat" may have higher antioxidant activity compared to non-"bertemu urat". However, it is important to note that the results of this study could not be confirmed due to errors and limitations in the methodology. Conclusion: We suggest that variations in leaf morphology within the same plant species can influence antioxidant properties. Considering these variations, it can assist researchers and practitioners in making informed decisions when selecting betel leaves with optimal antioxidant potential.

The Association Between Internet Addiction and Physical Activity Level among IIUM Students in Kuantan

Nur Wani Mohd Yasin — 2026-07-31

Background: Internet addiction (IA) has emerged as a major concern among university students and has been associated with prolonged screen time and physical inactivity—both recognised behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Although several studies have examined the impact of IA among university students, limited research has been conducted on the association between IA and the level of physical activity (PA). This study aimed to analyse the association between IA and PA levels among students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan Campus, Pahang. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 113 students using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected through an online questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics, patterns of internet use, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were performed. Results: The findings revealed that the prevalence of IA among students was 31.9%. A total of 34.5% of students had a low level of PA, 47.8% had a moderate level, and only 17.7% had a high level of PA. No significant association was found between IA and PA level (p = 0.963). Conclusion: Despite the absence of a significant association between IA and PA, the relatively high prevalence of IA and physical inactivity underscores the need for targeted health promotion strategies. Awareness campaigns focusing on responsible internet use, reduction of sedentary behaviour, and promotion of regular PA are recommended to mitigate long-term NCD risk and improve overall health among university students.

Conceptual Integration of Social Cognitive and Self-Determination Theories in Promoting Physical Activity Among Pre-Frail Older Adults: A Narrative Review

Mahirah Kamaron — 2026-07-31

Background: Physical inactivity among pre-frail older adults contributes to the accelerated progression toward frailty, disability, and mortality. Given the influence of psychological and motivational barriers, behavioural theories offer valuable insights into initiating and sustaining physical activity (PA). Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) highlights cognitive regulators such as self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and behavioural reinforcement, while Self-Determination Theory (SDT) emphasises motivation driven by autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Integrating both perspectives may provide a more comprehensive foundation for designing effective PA interventions for pre-frail populations. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using published literature retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies explored SCT, SDT, or both in relation to PA behaviour among older adults, with attention to findings relevant to pre-frailty. Included papers consist of cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention-based studies across global and Malaysian settings. Results: SCT-based approaches effectively promote PA initiation by enhancing self-efficacy, encouraging goal-setting, and reinforcing perceived health benefits. Meanwhile, SDT-based approaches support long-term adherence by strengthening intrinsic motivation, emotional well-being, and social connectedness. Evidence suggests that interventions combining SCT and SDT constructs lead to improved adherence, resilience, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life among older adults. However, the current evidence is limited by a lack of longitudinal and culturally contextualised studies particularly in Southeast Asia restricting broader applicability. Conclusion: Integrating SCT and SDT creates a synergistic behavioural framework capable of addressing both external and internal determinants of PA participation in pre-frail older adults. To advance healthy ageing strategies, future research should develop hybrid, community-based interventions tailored to cultural and social contexts, particularly within Malaysian ageing populations. Strengthening both motivation and behavioural capability may optimise resilience and sustain active ageing trajectories.

Exploring the Anti-Melanoma and Anti-Breast Cancer Potential of Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. Leaf Constituents Using In Silico Approaches

Taslima Begum — 2026-07-31

Background: Worldwide, the incidence of melanoma and breast cancer, are increasing at an alarming rate. However, many existing anticancer drugs are losing efficacy due to increasing drug resistance and are often accompanied by unavoidable side effects. This growing challenge underscores the urgent need for novel and selective anticancer therapies. Traditional medicinal plants, such as kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), offer promising avenues for drug discovery in this regard. Methods: This work was performed to explore the in silico anticancer potential of compounds identified in M. speciosa leaf extract through Q-ToF LCMS analysis, alongside their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters, to determine their suitability as lead candidates for anticancer drug development. A crude extract was prepared from kratom leaves using 100% methanol through ultrasound-assisted extraction yielding a 100% US extract with a recovery rate of 26.14%. The compounds were then screened in silicoagainst two cancer-related proteins (PDB IDs: 3OG7 and 3ERT) to evaluate their potential against melanoma and breast cancer. Results: The identified phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloidal compounds showed potent binding interactions against the melanoma target. Finally, physicochemical and ADMET predictions revealed the potential of scopolin and 17-O-acetylajmaline as lead molecules for the development of new selective anticancer drugs to treat melanoma and breast cancer. Conclusion: The current study has identified promising lead compounds for the development of novel anticancer agents, offering valuable guidance for future research on kratom?based anticancer drug discovery.

Clinical Profile and Refractive Outcomes of Medennium Phakic Intraocular Lens (MPL) Implantation: A Prospective Case Series

Nur Sakinah Bahaman Shah — 2026-07-31

Background: This study evaluates the clinical profile and refractive outcomes of Medennium Phakic Intraocular Lens (MPL) in patients with mild to high myopia who are not suitable for laser refractive correction. Methods: This prospective, single-centre case series included patients who underwent MPL implantation at IIUM Eye Specialist Clinic from February to August 2024. Collected data included demographics, preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subjective refraction, optical biometry, intraocular pressure, and corneal endothelial cell density. Statistical analysis with SPSS 30.0 statistical software was conducted to assess outcomes. Results: Fifteen patients (30 eyes) with a mean age of 30.2 ± 5.23 years were included. The mean preoperative myopia was -10.01 ± 3.99 diopters (D) (range: 3.63 to -17.5) and mean astigmatism was -0.80 ± 0.54 (range: 0 to -1.75). At 1 month post surgery, the mean spherical equivalent was 0.02 ± 0.57 D (range from +1.25 to -1.13). Uncorrected visual acuity of 20/63 achieved in 1 eye (3%), 20/30 in 5 eyes (17%), 20/25 in 6 eyes (20%) and 20/20 in 18 eyes (60%). Factors contributing to suboptimal outcomes included residual astigmatism, amblyopia, minimal inflammation and monovison correction. No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative complications include high intraocular pressure (2 eyes), glare (2 eyes) and statitically significant reduction in mean endothelial cell counts at 1 month (p=0.045). Conclusion: MPL implantation inpatients with myopia demonstrates promising refractive outcomes at one month postoperatively. Long-term safety and efficacy require further assessment.

Association between Fear of Falling and Balance in Elderly with Knee Osteoarthritis

Nurul Amirah Mustapa — 2026-07-31

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder among older adults that often leads to impaired balance and an increased risk of falls. Fear of falling (FOF) is a common psychological concern within this population, further limiting mobility and diminishing quality of life. This study aims to examine the association between FOF and balance among elderly individuals with KOA, emphasizing how these factors collectively influence fall risk. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 43 older adults diagnosed with KOA. FOF was assessed using the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, while balance and fall risk was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize demographic data using counts and percentages for categorical variables. The Chi-Square test was employed to assess the relationship between FOF and fall risk. Results: The findings revealed that 88.3% of participants did not experience significant FOF, while 11.6% reported fear. Regarding fall risk, 65% were categorized as having normal risk, 21% were at risk, and 14% had a high risk. A significant association was observed between FOF and fall risk (p < 0.001), indicating that higher fear levels were linked to impaired balance. Conclusion: FOF has a significant impact on balance, daily activities, and functional mobility among elderly individuals with KOA. The observed association between FOF and balance impairment highlights the need for targeted rehabilitation strategies aimed at improving confidence, stability, and fall prevention in this population.

Relationship Between the Axial Length to Corneal Radius of Curvature Ratio and Refractive Status in Young Malay Adults

Ain Qamarina Ahmad Foad — 2026-07-31

Background: Myopia is increasing worldwide and is closely linked to structural changes in the eye. While axial length and corneal radius are commonly measured in clinical practice, evaluating their relationship provides a more complete understanding of refractive status. The ratio between axial length (AL) and corneal radius (CR) reflects the balance between eye elongation and corneal shape. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the AL to CR ratio and spherical equivalent (SE) refraction in young Malay adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 94 young Malay adults (86.2% female) aged between 20 and 30 years. Participants were included if they were emmetropic or myopic and had no history of ocular disease, surgery, or recent myopia control treatment. AL was measured using optical biometry, while CR was assessed using corneal topography. The AL to CR ratio was calculated by dividing AL by CR. Refractive error was determined through objective and subjective refraction, and spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated accordingly. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the AL to CR ratio and SE. Results: The mean SE was ?3.64 ± 2.35 dioptres, and the mean AL to CR ratio was 3.23 ± 0.16. A very strong negative correlation was found between the AL to CR ratio and SE (r=?0.902, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that the ratio explained 81.3% of the variation in refractive error (R²=0.813, p < 0.001), indicating that higher ratios were associated with greater levels of myopia. Conclusion: The AL to CR ratio is a reliable structural indicator of refractive status in young adults and shows strong potential in predicting myopia. These findings highlight its usefulness in clinical assessment and myopia management. These findings support the clinical utility of the AL/CR ratio as a robust biometric marker for identifying myopic risk, particularly in settings where cycloplegic refraction is unavailable.

SmartTasjeel: A GPS-Based Automated Attendance Tracking System for Medical Education Built on Microsoft PowerApps

Wan Muhamad Salahudin Salleh — 2026-07-31

Background: Attendance in medical undergraduate programmes is consistently associated with academic performance, which makes accurate per-session tracking essential for early identification of at-risk students. At the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, the previous biometric thumbprint system captured only twice-daily entries and excluded students with dermatological conditions affecting fingerprint recognition. This made per-session attendance percentage calculations impossible to automate. Methods: We developed SmartTasjeel, a GPS-based attendance system built entirely on free Microsoft 365 Education licences using PowerApps, SharePoint Online, and Excel with Power Query. The system uses geofencing validation with a 0.001-degree tolerance (approximately 110 metres at the campus latitude) and matches each time-in to a session pulled from track-specific timetables. It was deployed for 285 students across three curriculum tracks. Results: Per-session attendance processing dropped from 30 minutes (paper) or 10 minutes (biometric queues) to under 15 seconds. Weekly percentage calculations dropped from around 2 hours of manual computation to under 30 minutes of automated dashboard review. Data granularity increased from a maximum of 10 weekly capture points (biometric) to 20–25 per student (per-session). No calculation errors were reported by coordinators over two academic semesters. Hardware cost dropped from RM3,500–7,000 (biometric machines) to zero. Students previously excluded by fingerprint recognition issues were able to participate. Conclusion: SmartTasjeel demonstrates that GPS-based automated attendance tracking can be implemented using only free Microsoft 365 Education licences, with no premium connectors, no custom code, and no additional hardware purchase. The architecture is transferable to other institutions and the per-session data structure supports policy enforcement, warning-letter workflows, and student self-monitoring. Future work should formally evaluate whether real-time attendance feedback influences student attendance behaviour and academic performance.