Other Public Health Commons^™

Knowledge Of Parents About Thalassemia In Tabuk City: A Cross-Sectional Study, Sawsan Mohammed Alblewi, Amirah M. Alatawi, Ehab Mahmoud Hanafy, Faisal Mayudh Althobaiti, Abdulelah Hamad Al-Balawi, Faisal Mohammed Alamrani, Yazeed Mahmoud Ajwah, Omar Muslih Albalawi, Mohammed Majed Alquayr, Sultan Ibrahim Alhamdi

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Thalassemia is a common inherited blood disorder and remains a significant public health concern in Saudi Arabia. Parental knowledge is essential for effective prevention, screening, and early intervention. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of thalassemia among parents in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, and identify factors associated with knowledge levels.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 parents residing in Tabuk City between March and May 2025. Data were collected using a validated Arabic questionnaire distributed online. Knowledge was assessed using 21 items covering general thalassemia knowledge, thalassemia major, carrier status, and prevention. Knowledge levels …

Osteoporosis Knowledge, Health Beliefs, And Calcium Intake Among Malaysian Chinese Adults In Perak: A Cross-Sectional Study, Thean Hui Ru, Nurul Aimi Ab Kadir, Fatin Izzaty Mohd Shahrin

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The Malaysian Chinese population records the highest national prevalence of osteoporotic hip fractures. This study investigated the relationships between osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs, and calcium intake among Malaysian Chinese adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 Malaysian Chinese adults in Kampar, Perak, using the adapted Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Tool (OPAAT), Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS), and a 30-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).

Results: Participants demonstrated low osteoporosis knowledge (6.84 ± 2.92), with low perceived susceptibility (14.87 ± 5.00), moderate perceived seriousness (17.81 ± 5.20), and barriers to calcium intake (15.61 ± 4.15), and …

Assessing Healthcare Access Among Overweight And Obese Individuals In Türkiye Using Latent Variable Modeling, Banu Beyaz Sipahi

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Overweight and obesity are critical determinants of healthcare access, yet evidence on how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped these dynamics in Türkiye remains limited. This study investigates whether the early post-pandemic recovery period altered healthcare access patterns for individuals with excess weight.

Methods: Using nationally representative microdata from the 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2022 Turkish Health Surveys, we constructed a latent Healthcare Access Index based on six indicators of unmet care needs. Probit models were estimated to assess associations between BMI categories and healthcare access, controlling for socioeconomic and demographic factors. The 2022 wave serves as the early …

Examining The Psychometric Properties Of The Big Three Perfectionism Scale–Short Form (Btps-Sf) Among Malaysian Chinese Students At A Private University, Kam-Fong Lee, Ashraf Sadat Ahadzadeh, Shin Ling Wu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Perfectionism is increasingly prevalent among young adults and is a significant predictor of pathological and behavioral outcomes. Despite its relevance, validated and reliable measures of perfectionism tailored to university students, particularly within the Malaysian cultural and academic context, are lacking. This study addresses this gap by examining the psychometric properties of the BTPS-SF among Chinese students at a private university in Malaysia.

Methods: Data were collected using a cross-sectional design with convenience and snowball sampling from 380 students aged 18–25 years, predominantly from a Chinese student population.

Results: The results of the exploratory factor analysis, conducted …

Questionnaire For Eudaimonic Well-Being: Psychometric Validation Among Malaysian Youth, Mohd Ahsani A. Malek, Nurulwahida Saad, Suzana Mohd. Hoesni, Muhamad Ariff Ibrahim, Nurul Shafira Adi, Mohd Nazir Mohd Nazori

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The rising prevalence of mental illness underscores the need to understand how individuals can live and flourish under such conditions. In Malaysia, research has largely emphasized diagnosis and treatment, with limited focus on positive psychology and few validated instruments. This study aimed to translate and validate the questionnaire for eudaimonic well-being (QEWB) among Malaysian youth.

Methods: The QEWB was translated into Malay using back-to-back translation and administered to undergraduates from four public universities through a cross-sectional survey design. Convenience quota sampling was used, resulting in 229 respondents completing the online form to measure sociodemographic characteristics, eudaimonic well-being, …

Future-Ready Physicians: Exploring Medical Students’ Readiness, Attitudes, And Perceptions Of Healthcare Artificial Intelligence In Saudi Arabia, Hassan Abdulaziz Moria, Amirah Alatawi, Sharifah Alzahrani, Hyder Mirghani, Hisham Al Shadfan

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: While the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has advanced globally, there is limited research on the preparedness of medical students in the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding their specific educational needs and cultural context. This study assessed medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, readiness, and confidence toward AI integration at the University of Tabuk, providing the first comprehensive analysis of AI readiness in this underrepresented northern region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 261 medical students and interns across all academic years (1–6) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, …

Nursing Students’ Sociodemographic Characteristics And Consumer Preferences’ Prediction Level Of Perceived Food Literacy, Sinan Duru

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Food literacy, which is a critical competency for nursing students, plays a pivotal role in promoting evidence-based nutrition behaviors and contributes effectively to public health. This study aimed to determine the level of perceived food literacy among nursing students.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 488 nursing students from two universities in the south of Turkey. The research data were collected face to face via the Personal Information Form, the Consumer Preferences Form, and Self Perceived Food Literacy. The data was analyzed using the Independent Sample t Test, One Way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.

Results: The …

A Study On Nutritional Status Among Regular Gym Goers In And Around Chennai, India, Ettiyappan Thirumurugan, Kalpana Devi Venkatesan, Pavithra Tamilmani, Devika Preetha, Joyce Albert Princy Mariya Selvanathan, Dhanyasree Mohandas, Ameer Basha Sathik, Santhosh Kumar Manjunathan, Ashika Kannadhas Sheeba

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The increasing sales of sports supplements indicate a concerning trend, as many gym-goers may misuse these products owing to misinformation and insufficient knowledge, potentially impacting their performance. This issue is further compounded by specific gym trainers who may lack comprehensive information and inadvertently influence their clients' choices. To address this concern, the present study evaluated dietary supplement practices and sports nutrition knowledge among regular gym-goers at fitness centers in Chennai, India.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2023 to May 2024 using a validated questionnaire distributed across Chennai, India. A total of 450 participants were …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Of Adults For Periodic Health Assessment In Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, Fatimah Yousef Alhafedh, Rawan Ahmed Almusaileem, Zahraa Hassan Aljaafar, Rayhanah Saleh Alaayesh, Edric Estrella

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Regular medical consultation, such as annually or semi-annually for check-ups, especially to diagnose chronic conditions, is essential for health maintenance, particularly in adults. The aim of this study is to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults aged 30 years or older for obtaining periodic professional health assessment in the city of Al Ahsa in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a total sample of 472 adults. Multistage sampling was employed, and data were collected using a Google Forms survey and analyzed using JASP and OpenEpi. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was used …

Cross-Cultural Adaptation And Expert Opinion Of Revised Trauma Quality Of Life Questionnaire (Rt-Qol): Malay Language Version, Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Shamsinar Ibrahim, Malina Zulkifli, Azimatun Noor Aizuddin, Hanizah Mohd Yusoff

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study examines the cross-cultural adaptation and expert validation of the Revised Trauma Quality of Life (RT-QOL) questionnaire, translating it from English to Malay.

Methods: The study employed Beaton’s adaptation guidelines and Takasaki’s framework for expert opinions, involving 51 road traffic injury patients recruited from the Emergency and Trauma Department (ED) of a public hospital in Kedah, Malaysia, from March to June 2022. Participants were contacted via telephone 30 days after their hospital visit regarding their involvement in the study. Three independent experts, comprising academicians in healthcare and emergency department clinicians, reviewed and reconciled the RT-QOL Malay …

Health Services Students’ Knowledge Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Özge Akbaba, Ezgi Demirtürk Selçuk

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The rising incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young people is a significant public health issue. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases among students at a vocational health school.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at a university in eastern Turkey from January to June 2024. The sample consisted of 621 students who agreed to participate. Data were collected from a sociodemographic form and the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Knowledge Questionnaire.

Results: Knowledge was higher among males, second-year students, those in the emergency and disaster management program, those with …

Investigating Nursing Students’ Levels Of Knowledge About Alzheimer’S Disease, Dilek Doruk Kondakci, Aliye Mandiracioğlu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Given that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become a major public health problem, this study aimed to investigate the AD knowledge level of nursing students who are health professional candidates.

Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of 346 nursing students taking up a 4-year program. They were asked to fill out a sociodemographic information form and answer questions from the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS).

Results: Among the participants, 67.6% were female and 98.8% were single. The mean age of the students was 20.55 ± 2.05 years. Their general knowledge about AD was low, with …

Contraceptive Methods In Diabetic Women Referring To Government Diabetes Clinics In Northern Iran, Roya Mansour-Ghanaei, Yalda Donyaei-Mobarrez, Kobra Abouzari-Gazafroodi

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Unwanted pregnancies in diabetic women can endanger the mother and the fetus. The present study was conducted to determine contraceptive methods for diabetic women referred to government diabetes clinics in the north of Iran.

Methods: A total of 153 diabetic women referred to government clinics in Guilan were included in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire made by the researcher regarding personal and social information and information related to contraceptive methods was administered. Data were analyzed analytically using SPSS version 19.

Results: The findings of the present study revealed that 87.6% of diabetic women used contraceptive methods, …

Factors Associated With Postacute Covid-19 Syndrome Among Patients In Malaysia, Ahtheemathurra Ballasingam, Farida Islahudin, Siti Azdiah Abdul Aziz, Mohd Makmor-Bakry

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Post-acute COVID-19 is known to affect multiple organs. It is essential to determine factors that affect post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and medications needed by patients for optimized care.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among patients recruited by stratified sampling from two COVID-19 hospitals in Malaysia. Patients were followed up for 6 months using a standard questionnaire to identify demographics, symptoms, medications taken, and factors associated with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.

Results: A total of 388 were successfully followed up. The most frequently reported symptom was respiratory symptoms (N = 168, 43.30%), of which cough (N = …

Related Factors With Self-Management Behaviors Among Patients With Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: A Multicenter Study In Myanmar, Yoon Zarchi Wint, Jiraporn Lininger, Sirirat Leelacharas

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Self-management behavior is key to managing patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is effective in slowing disease progression in impoverished Burmese patients with CKD. This study aimed to outline the association of personal and environmental factors with the self-management behaviors of people with predialysis CKD.

Methods: Using convenience sampling, this cross-sectional study included 84 individuals with predialysis CKD from two private hospitals in Myanmar. The interviewer-administered questionnaire included demographic information, the Health Literacy Short Form-12, the CKD knowledge questionnaire, the self-efficacy questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the self-management behavior questionnaire. This …

Factors Associated With The Use Of Traditional Health Services In Indonesia: A Secondary Analysis Of The Indonesian Basic Health Research, Niswatul Rifka, Haerawati Idris

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Traditional health services in Indonesia have been used increasingly over the past few years because patients nowadays are more proactive in seeking various alternative modes of self-care. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with the use of traditional health services in Indonesia.

Methods: This quantitative study used a cross-sectional research design. The research data were secondary data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research. The research samples were 163,259 respondents aged >10 years and the statistical test for data analysis was multiple logistic regression.

Results: The percentage of respondents who used traditional health services was …

Factors Associated With Independent National Health Insurance Ownership Among Reproductive Aged Women In Indonesia, Ika Putri Widiarti, Haerawati Idris

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Indonesia has been aiming toward universal health coverage since 2019, but it has yet to be achieved. The National Health Insurance (NHI) program provides individual services for women of reproductive age who require health care before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and at the time of labor. This study aims to analyze factors associated with independent NHI ownership among women of reproductive age in Indonesia.

Methods: Secondary data from the Wave 5 Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS) involving 2,084 women of reproductive age were used. The chi-square test and logistic regression test were used for data analysis.

Results: …

Exploring The Experience Of Stigma Among People Living With Hiv In Bali, Indonesia: Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Jufri Hidayat, Xuan-Yi Huang, Hung-Ru Lin, Shiow-Jing Wei, Miao-Yen Chen, Satriya Pranata

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related stigma continues to be a serious problem for people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to explore stigma experience among PLWH in Bali, Indonesia.

Methods: This research was a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study. With the help of a local clinician–researcher and the staff of the United Nations Program on AIDS Commission, Bali, 10 participants were recruited by purposive sampling and participated in semi-structured interviews via WhatsApp online audio from April to December 2021. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s process.

Results: The following three themes emerged: (1) experiencing discrimination, (2) getting stronger …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Of Saudi Citizens On Covid-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Region Survey, Maha Sanat Alreshidi, Nojoud Abdullah Daaya Alreshidi, Ebaa Felemban, Ferdinand Gonzales

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Although policies and guidelines may not always be optimal in all settings, a tailor-fitted guideline is appropriate. This study aims to determine the differences in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Saudi citizens toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: A quantitative-comparative-correlational approach was carried out from March 21 to May 22, 2020. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-test were used to determine the differences in knowledge and demographic characteristics. Linear regression was used to determine relationships among KAP.

Results: The participants’ knowledge yielded 82.83%, positive attitudes (M = 2.10; SD = 1.15) and good …

Depression And Behavioral Changes Associated With Social Media Dependency During Covid-19 Pandemic Among University Students In Bangladesh: A Cross- Sectional Study, Sushmita Karmokar, Md. Ashraful Islam, Mohammad Hamid Al Muktadir, Rakibul Hasan, Abu Montakim Tareq, Mohammad Nurul Amin, Talha Bin Emran

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: With its rapid spread, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a detrimental effect on students’ psychological well-being, depression, and behavioral changes due to indefinite educational leaves, lockdowns, restricted outdoor activities, and excess use of social media. This study aims to assess the relationship of social media exposure with the psychological well-being, depression, and behavioral changes of Bangladeshi university students.

Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was carried out on 530 students from June 17 to July 10, 2020, to evaluate psychological well-being, depression, behavioral changes, and social media exposure via self-reported measures.

Results: The prevalence of …