International Journal of Allied Health Sciences

FROM REVELATION TO REHABILITATION: THE QURAN’S RELEVANCE IN CLINICAL LINGUISTICS

WAN ASLYNN SALWANI WAN AHMAD — 2025-07-28

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL FROM SULTAN AHMAD SHAH MEDICAL CENTRE IIUM ON MICROORGANISM TRANSMISSION VIA MOBILE PHONES

NURUL ANIS SHAFERUDDIN — 2025-07-28

Background: Mobile phones, widely used across all ages and occupations, are high-touch surfaces with the potential to harbour pathogenic microorganisms. Their frequent use in hospital settings enhances medical communication but raises concerns about their role as reservoirs for microbial transmission. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare personnel at Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre (SASMEC), IIUM, regarding microorganism transmission via mobile phones. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 271 healthcare personnel was conducted using standardized questionnaires. KAP scores were evaluated through true/false questions, Likert scale statements, and practice assessments. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to identify factors influencing KAP. Results: Moderate knowledge (59%), good attitude (76.3%), and moderate practices (60.7%) were observed among respondents, with factors such as age and gender influencing scores. Recommendations include implementing UV-C disinfection devices and disinfectant wipes at phone hygiene stations. Conclusion: Enhancing healthcare personnel’s awareness of microorganism transmission via mobile phones is critical to improving hand and mobile hygiene practices, reducing infection risks, and strengthening hospital infection control measures.

PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE EXERCISE FOR REDUCING URINARY INCONTINENCE: KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE AMONG THE POSTNATAL MOTHER’S

HABIBA KHANOM — 2025-07-28

Background: One of the major issues during pregnancy and after delivery for young women is urinary incontinence, which can be a prevalent condition. Although it is more prevalent in older adults, young people—especially young women—are affected by this disorder. This is one of the worst public health problems that can affect a person's quality of life and lead to mental health problems, including depression and poor self-esteem. Should postnatal women receive adequate and easily comprehensible information about postnatal registration and PFMEs during the postnatal period, they will be well-equipped to identify symptoms and seek appropriate remedial action. It is crucial to understand how to perform the exercises correctly and to periodically verify that you are still performing them so. PFEs can aid in understanding this, as demonstrated by this study.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional research with 121 participants, using a non-probability sampling approach, was conducted on postnatal mothers at MCHTI, Institute of Child & Mother Health, and Dhaka Medical College and Hospital in Bangladesh, using SPSS version 20 for analysis.

Results: Most respondents 84 (69%) are aware of the benefits of exercising the PFMEs. The findings revealed that 59 (48.8%) of the 121 respondents had previously had urine incontinence, 43.8% of the female respondents treated with Kegel exercises, and 37 (30.6%) had undergone KE treatment. 103 (85.1%) of women expressed their views on the value of PFM training for expectant mothers. Overall, 78 (64.76%) of respondents had this degree of understanding, and 87 (71.96%) had this attitude.

Conclusion: This study provides information on PFME, highlighting its benefits for postpartum management and preventing pregnancy complications. It suggests that knowledgeable postpartum mothers can adopt a positive attitude towards pelvic floor workouts, strengthening and relaxing PFMs.

Key Words: Knowledge, Urinary incontinence, Multipara postnatal mothers.

HYPERACUSIS AMONG ADULTS WITH OCCUPATIONAL NOISE EXPOSURE

NURUL LYDIA NAZIFA MAT NASIR — 2025-07-28

Introduction: Hyperacusis is an increased sensitivity and reduced tolerance to sounds at an acceptable level for most people. This research effort addresses this critical gap in understanding the role of occupational workers as one of the contributing factors of hyperacusis and Modified Hyperacusis Questionnaire as a valuable tool for early identification of hyperacusis in the adult population. Objectives: This study aimed to study the existence of hyperacusis among adults who are exposed to occupational noise. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling technique. A total of 95 workers in Malaysia participated. Data were collected using the Modified Khalfa Hyperacusis Questionnaire, which was developed by Khalfa, 2002. Results: Most workers (57.9%) are not well informed regarding the existence of hyperacusis. More than half of the participants who were exposed to noise in the working environment were reported to have hyperacusis. Only 4% of the participants were reported to have normal sound tolerance. Furthermore, a Mann-Whitney U test showed no significant difference in awareness of hyperacusis between adults with occupational noise exposure and without occupational noise exposure (p=0.62). Conclusion: the findings highlight a considerable gap in workers awareness regarding hyperacusis. This underscores the need for education and occupational safety regulations to enhance workers’ awareness and management of noise in the work environment to create conducive working spaces for them.

CONTENT VALIDATION OF THE KHAIR RUBRIC, A VALUE-DRIVEN RUBRIC FOR HEALTH SCIENCE STUDENTS

SAIFUL ADLI JAMALUDDIN — 2025-07-28

Background: As education in Malaysia is becoming more holistic, an accurate, trustworthy, and useful assessment of students' qualities is required to guarantee a fair assessment of students. This study aimed to develop and validate a rubric to evaluate four student value-driven attributes, Khal?fah, Am?nah, Iqra’ and Rahmatan lil- ‘Alamin (KhAIR) which is highlighted in the International Islamic University Malaysia’s Sejahtera Academic Framework. Methods: Preliminary construct of the rubric was followed by content validation involved interviews with six subject matter experts and measured using the analysis of content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR). Results: The final version of the KhAIR rubric includes four main attributes and 16 sub-attributes. Its content validity improved significantly between the pre- and post-discussion sessions with the experts (S-CVIRelavance: pre=0.99, post=1.00; S-CVIClarity: pre=0.90, post=0.98; CVREssential: pre=0.90, post=1.00). Conclusion: This study highlights the complexity of producing a value-driven rubric that is founded in Islamic teachings and values. Despite showing good content validity, further research is needed to assess its reliability and applicability in the various field of health science.

PREVALENCE OF FLEXIBLE FLAT FEET AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH BODY MASS INDEX AMONG YOUNG ADULTS OF MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY: A PRELIMINARY CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

NUR HAZIMAH LUKMAN — 2025-07-28

Introduction: Flexible flat feet, a common yet often unnoticed condition, have been a topic of recent research. However, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and flexible flat feet in adults remains unclear, with conflicting findings in the literature. This study aims to explore the association between BMI and flexible flat feet among young adults.

Methodolgy: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 190 university students. Flexible flat feet were assessed using the navicular drop test and Jack’s toe-raise test, while BMI was calculated from measured weight and height. Data were analysed using Fisher’s exact test to assess the association between BMI categories and flat feet.

Results: The relationship between flexible flat feet (right, left, and bilateral) and BMI was analysed using chi-square tests, revealing no significant associations. Right flexible flat feet (?²(3) = 4.292, p = 0.222) and left flexible flat feet (?²(3) = 6.200, p = 0.093) showed moderate effect sizes (0.587 and 0.794, respectively), while bilateral flexible flat feet (?²(3) = 1.318, p = 0.758) had a small effect size (-0.404).

Conclusion: This study found no significant relationship between BMI and flexible flat feet among young adults. Differences in results compared to paediatric studies highlight the need for age-specific investigations. Future studies with larger, probabilistic samples are recommended to validate these findings.

STAFFS PERCEPTIONS OF IMPORTANT INDICATORS AND SELF-ASSESSMENT OF HOSPITAL FOOD SERVICE OPERATIONS PERFORMANCE

NOOR SUZANA OSMAN — 2025-07-28

Background: Performance measurement is a critical component of managerial performance in the healthcare food service industry. Managers have challenges in improving performance at hospital food service operations because organisational success must begin with the identification of variables that influence accurate assessment. The aims of this study are to assess staff perceptions of key indicators as well as their self-evaluation of hospital food service performance. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out utilising a reliable self-administered questionnaire that had been validated in previous research. Respondents were selected from food service staff at Malaysian hospitals using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data analysis was performed using IBM SPPS version 26.0 software. The sociodemographic data was examined, and the means of importance and performance indicators were compared using a paired-sample t-test. The Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) grid was generated by combining the means of importance and performance scores. Results: The survey was completed by 160 people in total. According to the gap analysis, there was a significant difference between the staff's evaluation of the hospital food service operation’s performance and their perception of the importance indicators of food service attributes (p<0.01). Five indicators are identified by the IPA grid; indicators 5, 7, 8, 10, and 17 fall into the "Concentrate here" quadrant. Conclusion: The findings suggest that hospital food service providers should focus on using a variety of food ingredients, evaluating their menus, and monitoring the health and cleanliness of their staff in order to improve their service quality.

NOISE EXPOSURE AND HEARING HEALTH: A STUDY OF BARISTAS’ PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE, AND ATTITUDES IN MALAYSIAN SPECIALTY COFFEE SHOPS

NORAIDAH ISMAIL — 2025-07-28

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant occupational health issue globally, with service industry workers, including baristas, often overlooked despite their exposure to potentially hazardous noise levels. Objectives: This study aimed to measure noise levels in speciality coffee shops within the Kuantan municipality area and evaluate baristas’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of noise and its impacts. Method: Noise levels were assessed using the NIOSH Sound Level Meter App during typical workdays, while baristas (n = 30) completed questionnaires structured around the Health Belief Model. Results: Noise levels measured in the cafés were within permissible limits. Baristas predominantly perceived noise as enhancing workplace ambience, with limited awareness of its adverse effects. Notably, none of the baristas reported ever using hearing protection devices (HPDs), highlighting a critical gap in preventive practices. Gender differences were observed in perceived susceptibility to hearing loss, with females reporting significantly higher scores than males (p = 0.02). However, no significant gender differences were found in other health belief domains. Conclusion: These results highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to raise awareness of noise hazards and promote safer work practices among baristas. The study contributes to the broader understanding of occupational health in non-industrial sectors, highlighting the importance of addressing noise exposure in the growing speciality coffee industry.

INTEGRATED BIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL SURVEILLANCE (IBBS) SURVEY 2022: RISK BEHAVIOURS AMONG PEOPLE WHO INJECT DRUGS (PWID) IN MALAYSIA

ZAILATUL HANI MOHAMAD YADZIR — 2025-07-28

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) is one of the key populations of the HIV epidemic in Malaysia. The objective of this study was to examine the risk behaviours and prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among PWID. Methods: Respondent driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit PWID from July to December 2022. Online behavioural surveys and rapid HIV testing were completed by respondents. Results: In total, 824 respondents participated in this study. A total of 96.9% of respondents reported using clean needles and syringes at last injection. Most respondents (96.7%) also reported they had no problem getting access to sterile needles and syringes. Only 9.6% of respondents stated that they shared needles and syringes with friends in the past 3 months. A total of 54.6% of respondents have enrolled in the Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT). Regrettably, 90.0% of respondents who reported being sexually active had sex without using a condom. The HIV prevalence among PWID was 7.5%. Conclusion: In Malaysia, the decline in HIV prevalence among PWID over the past decade was remarkably significant and consistent with changes in risk behaviours among PWID due to increase in safe needles and syringes use. This necessitates ongoing surveillance and preventive measures in order to maintain the observed decreased trend. In addition, prevention initiatives should also focus to increase protective sexual behaviours among PWID. Since MMT has been used to treat opioids dependence, additional intervention strategies are also required to treat other kinds of drug addiction.

THE ANTIPARASITIC POTENTIAL OF FLAVONOLS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

AHMAD AKMAL MOHD SABRI — 2025-07-28

Background: Parasites pose a significant global health hazard, especially in countries endowed with tropical climates. Despite the availability of different types of antiparasitic drugs, their harmful side effects and limited treatment options highlight the urgent need for new therapeutic alternatives. Additionally, the development of resistance to existing medications complicates treatment efficacy. Consequently, researchers are focusing on compounds found in medicinal plants, particularly flavonols, due to their potential to effectively inhibit parasite growth. This review aims to establish an evidence-based foundation for developing novel flavonol-based antiparasitic drugs that can effectively combat parasites. Method: The review adhered to the methodological rigor outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Specific keywords related to flavonols and antiparasitic activity were used in a systematic search of databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Science Direct. The methodological quality of the included papers was assessed using the QuADS criteria. Results: The systematic review included 44 studies after screening 1,629 papers based on eligibility criteria. The study compiles 43 compounds and several plant extracts containing flavonols, all of which have demonstrated antiparasitic properties. Conclusion: This review summarizes various flavonols with differing levels of potential to combat a wide range of protozoan parasites, along with their mechanisms of action. However, more in-depth and detailed research is still needed to fully explore the potentials of flavonols as future safe antiparasitic agents.

KEYWORDS: Flavonols, flavonols derivatives, parasites, antiparasitic effects

ERGONOMIC HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT, AND CONTROL IN FISH LANDING OPERATIONS IN KUANTAN, PAHANG, MALAYSIA

SITI NUR LIYANA RUSLAN — 2025-07-28

Background: The Malaysian fishing industry is worth approximately RM11.5 billion annually and employs over 153,461 workforces. Despite its significant contribution to local livelihood and national economic growth, working in this industry is considered high-risk due to the physically demanding nature of the work, heavy workload, and long working hours, which contribute to a high incidence of occupational injuries and illnesses reported globally. To date, the role of ergonomics in addressing these safety and health issues among workers on fishing vessels has been well documented. However, there is still limited data on ergonomic issues available at the fish landing jetty, particularly in Malaysia. Hence, this study aimed to identify the ergonomic hazards associated with fish landing operations and evaluate their risks and control measures at the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) Kuantan Complex, Pahang. Methods: A systematic Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control (HIRARC) analysis of fish landing operations was conducted based on the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) guideline. Walkthrough observation, face-to-face interviews with workers and employers, and consultations with experts were conducted to gain insights into ergonomic issues faced by the target population. Results: A total of 25 ergonomic hazards were identified, of which 56% are classified as high risk with high priority for intervention. The packing catch is identified as the most ergonomically hazardous task within fish landing operations, attributed to extensive lifting, pushing, and pulling of heavy loads. Although the existing ergonomic control measures are in place, they seem inadequate. Conclusion: The data suggest ergonomic risks are prevalent among the fish landing workers. Therefore, a task-specific ergonomic risk assessment is necessary before improving control measures.

COVER PAGE

Editorial Team IJAHS — 2025-07-28

REGULAR ISSUE VOLUME 9, NUMBER 2 (2025)

Editorial Team IJAHS — 2025-07-28