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Background: While social media continues to dominate, social media platforms have become powerful health communication tools for older users. However, fulfilling their social media needs can be both detrimental and beneficial to their quality of life (QoL). This study assessed social media needs as they relate to QoL among older adults in Malaysia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and adopted convenience sampling to recruit participants. The participants were required to self-report their sociodemographic profile, social media use and needs, and QoL. Social media use and needs were assessed using the Social Networking Sites Uses and Needs (SNSUN) scale, and QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify the predictors of QoL. Results: The findings revealed that the fulfilment of social integrative needs was the strongest predictor of higher QoL in all domains. However, those using social media for their affective needs demonstrated lower psychological health quality. Conclusions: Fulfilling social integrative needs is the key to improving the QoL among older adults. The continuous development of age-friendly applications is essential to keep up with constantly changing social media trends and bridge the gap of social media inequalities. More importantly, it would enable older adults to utilize social media to its fullest potential and enjoy a higher QoL through accessible health communication tools.

The whole world had suffered the Covid-19 pandemic and most countries had practiced social distancing and Movement Control Orders (MCO) for a variable duration on time. Because of MCO, educational institutions including universities had to shift to online learning. This dramatic change in the mode of learning is expected to affect the students’ academic performance. This research aimed to explore the students’ reflection regarding the online mode of learning and to detect if this affected their academic performance. A cross-sectional study has been implemented among students of the International Medical School, Management and Science University, Malaysia through an online questionnaire distributed in April 2020 investigating the students’ demographic characteristics and the effectiveness of online learning from their point of view. The results regarding the students’ perception of the effectiveness of online learning, showed that 30.4% of the students agreed that the discussion during online learning was depth and comprehensive. 41.8% of the students agreed that they had discussed more and used more resources during online learning. 23.2% of the students agreed that they learned better through online learning while 19.6% agreed that they learned better through online learning. Regarding participation and interaction during online learning, 25.8% agreed on that online learning promotes more participation and interaction while 42.3% of the students agreed that it was difficult for them to ask and to answer questions through online learning. 45.9% of the students suffered technical issues during the online learning session, and 33.5% of the students required more budget for internet connection. 41.8% agreed that there was an increased distraction during the online session. And 35.1% of the students agreed that it was harder for them to be motivated during the online session. These results are representing this period of time which is one month after the start of MCO, and more research is needed to be implemented after the students get used to the new normal mode of learning.

Background: Due to the global surge in COVID-19 cases, numerous countries have enforced lockdowns of varying stringency. Social isolation and stay-at-home orders have detrimental effects on one's lifestyle and dietary habits. This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns, food preferences, shopping behavior and weight gain during the lockdown among students in a private university in Malaysia. Design and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 426 students using convenience sampling method one-month after initiating the Conditional Movement Control Order (November 15-30, 2020), using a validated self-administered web-based survey. Chi-square test with post-hoc and planned comparison procedures were performed. Results: Of the 426 participants, more than half were females (55.9%). Over half of the surveyed students reported increased eating (51.2%), snacking (55.2%) and online food ordering (71.1%) during the lockdown. Meat products and sweet drinks (both >90%) were the most consumed food among individuals with higher BMI. 45.5% of the participants reported weight gain (mean 3.36, SD 1.61kg) one month after the lockdown. Female, youth (aged 19-24), working remotely, increased eating, snacking, cooking, and online food ordering were positively associated with weight gain. Conclusions: Findings suggested that unintended consequences of lockdown have negative impacts on dietary habits and food preferences among university students. Advocacy and public health measures for nutritional support amidst the pandemic are crucial, especially for at-risk groups such as overweight and obese individuals.

At March 2020, Malaysia has been conducting Movement Control Order (MCO) as one of the strategies to compete Covid-19 pandemic which enforced all educational institutions to conduct online classes. There were variable feedbacks regarding the effectiveness of online learning from both students’ and teachers’ perspective. These feedbacks can be referred to the sudden shift to the online mode of learning, the nature of course to be taught, the nature of the students or the lecturers, and also can include social and financial factors. This research is conducted to study the reflections toward the online learning among the students in the International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University (MSU), Malaysia throughonline questionnaire.Results of analysis of the collected data showed the discussion during online sessions were in depth and comparative to normal face to face sessions (63%), students can remember the details and ideas of discussion during their online sessions (52.9%), students found that time allocated for discussion is enough (72%) and appreciate flexibility and Convenience (53%).On the other hand, students concerned regarding the technical issues (89.2%), distraction in the home environment (70.6%), and internet connection that necessitate extra budget (72%). It is concluded that most of students are ready to continue online learning even after the Covid-19 is over. The effectiveness of the online learning depends mainly on the presence of a suitable learning environment both physically and virtually - the student is recommended to have a safe comfortable physical learning environment during the online session not just to be online and also the lecturers should ensure effective communication and continuous engagement of the student in the learning Process. Readiness of the students and having the learning material prior to the class is essential to conduct effective discussion and have a better outcome.

A novel strain of coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019. It is the causative agent of a respiratory disease known as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). On 12th March 2020, it was declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. The aim of the study was to study the impact of MCO in terms of the academic performance and finance on the student population and to measure the level of knowledge, attitude and practice towards prevention of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) among a private university students in Malaysia. On 22nd April until 30th April 2020, a cross-sectional study using a convenient sampling method was conducted among 401 students using a self-administered online questionnaire survey. It was found that 272 (67.8%) of the respondents had a less negative impact of MCO while 129 (32.3%) of the respondent had a more negative impact of MCO. The findings show also 229 respondents (57.1%) have adequate knowledge. As for the attitude, about 237 respondents (59.1%) have an adequate attitude and only 191 respondents (47.6%) have adequate practice towards the prevention of COVID-19. There was a significant relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practice with family income, a significant relationship between knowledge and practice, a significant relationship between knowledge and attitude, a sig. relationship between knowledge, attitude, practice with university faculties, the relationship between knowledge and source of information. The MCO showed significant association with knowledge level and with practice, also MCO was less negatively impact on the medical faculty students with p-value 0.004. The MCO was more negatively impacting those with less family income. The study findings concluded that the majority of the participants had a fair level of knowledge, attitude, and a lesser level of good practice towards the prevention of COVID-19. However, the COVID-19 is still considered a global pandemic and has not resolved yet. Therefore, to minimize the risk of future COVID-19 cases current efforts to educate the public towards knowledge, attitude, and practice towards prevention of COVID-19 in public health should be done.