Qiu Ting Chie

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread issue with severe consequences for women’s well-being. This scoping review synthesizes research on coping strategies among female IPV survivors, evaluates measurement approaches, and assesses the applicability of the 11 families of coping framework. Analyzing 27 studies (2017–2022) from the Scopus database, we identified key coping patterns. In response to the first research question, the review revealed methodological diversity, with qualitative interviews predominating (55.56% of studies) alongside quantitative measures such as the Brief-COPE and IPV Strategies Index. All documented coping strategies were successfully categorized using Skinner’s framework, demonstrating its comprehensive utility for IPV research. This complete categorization directly answers our second research question, confirming the framework’s effectiveness for classifying IPV coping strategies. By using this framework, we identified key coping patterns, with seeking social support emerging as the most prevalent strategy (88.89% of studies), followed by escape–avoidance (55.56%) and problem-solving (44.44%). The findings underscore the value of adopting a standardized classification system to enhance consistency across studies and improve comparative analyses. The study contributes to theoretical development by validating Skinner’s model in IPV contexts and offers practical guidance for future research design. By demonstrating the universal applicability of the 11 families of coping, this scoping review provides a foundation for systematic investigations of coping mechanisms and informs targeted support interventions for survivors.

Background: The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus is escalating rapidly. Similarly in Malaysia, diabetes prevalence among adults rose exponentially. Artificial intelligence (AI) integrated into mobile health applications (apps) presents a promising avenue for enhancing diabetes management through personalized patient education and behaviour modification. However, adoption rates remain low, primarily due to limited awareness and technological challenges, especially among older adults. Objective: This study aimed to explore Malaysian healthcare professionals’ (HCPs’) perspectives on the use of AI in mobile apps for diabetes education and behavioural management. Methods: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 19 HCPs across Malaysia. Interviews were conducted via video conferencing, recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis with NVivo 14 software. Results: Seven key themes emerged: (1) acceptance and trust, (2) impact on patient behaviour, (3) skills and abilities required, (4) problems and obstacles, (5) key features and functions, (6) HCPs’ and patients’ information needs, and (7) strategies for increasing patient adoption. HCPs expressed positive sentiments towards AI-based apps, highlighting their potential for continuous, personalized education and real-time feedback. However, significant concerns were raised about accessibility for older adults, data privacy, and the apps’ ability to modify entrenched behaviours without human intervention. Conclusion: AI-based mobile apps show potential for improving diabetes management, but successful implementation requires addressing challenges. Strategies should focus on developing user-friendly interfaces, providing comprehensive education for patients and providers, and ensuring robust data protection. Future research should quantify the impact on patient outcomes and explore effective integration of human support with AI capabilities.

Introduction: Dopamine receptor type 2 gene (DRD2 Taq1A, Taq1B and Taq1D) and psychosocial factors such as eating behaviour and physical activity engagement have been demonstrated by past studies to impact obesity, and eventually affect health status and quality of life. However, personality traits were largely examined as a direct or indirect risk factor for obesity with inconclusive results. Hence, this study investigates the predictive effect of Five Factor personality traits on psychosocial factors related to obesity (i.e., level and motives of physical activity, and eating behaviour) besides examining the association of Five Factor personality traits with DRD2 genotypes. Materials and methods: 394 participants (125 males and 269 females) from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia participated in this study, which involved obtaining anthropometric measurements, mouthwash samples and responses across three scaled items. A genotypic and allelic variance of the DRD2 Taq1 gene was conducted by examining the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism using the PCR method. Results: In the eating behaviour domain, Conscientiousness, Extraversion and Neuroticism significantly predicted Uncontrolled Eating (UE) and Emotional Eating (EE). In the physical activity domain, Extraversion positively predicted Total IPAQ score. Conscientiousness, Extraversion and Agreeableness significantly predicted motives for physical activity. The genotypic and allele analysis results showed that participants with higher Neuroticism were significantly different on the ANKK1/DRD2 Taq1A and DRD2 Taq1B. Conclusion: Personality traits could be an aspect to be incorporated into tailoring biopsychosocial obesity management programmes.

A brief survey asked Malaysians if they had searched for information about illegal drugs and their thoughts about the information available. 280 participants from 4 states: Selangor, Penang, Malacca, and Johor filled out a paper-and-pencil survey including both multiple choice and open-ended written questions. Quantitative analyses of closed-ended, and thematic analyses of open-ended data indicated the following: Half of participants had, at some point, actively searched for information about drug use; 28% reported searching at least once per month. Participants generally (79%) preferred to obtain information online, but 62% also reported sharing and obtaining information about drugs in face-to-face interactions with friends and others. Concerns regarding the reliability of information, such as the presence of conflicting or contradictory messages from multiple sources, was a common theme in open ended responses. Of those who searched for information, about 70% reported desiring more detailed information about different drugs, in particular about their various side effects and risks. It is suggested that drug information campaigns, particularly those aimed at university students, might better focus on providing accurate, detailed information about the risks and other issues involved in various types of drug use, rather than one-size-fits-all messages. Given the varied and confusing nature of information already available, overly simplistic anti-drug messages may be ineffective, if not counterproductive.

This study examined reasons for substance abuse and evaluated the effectiveness of substance treatment programs in Malaysia through interviews with rehab patients and staff. Substance rehab patients (aged 18-69 years; n=30) and staff (ages 30-72 years; n=10) participated in semi-structured interviews covering a range of topics including: family and peer relationships, substance use and treatment history, factors for substance use and relapse, motivation for entering treatment, work experience, job satisfaction, treatment evaluation and patient satisfaction. Most patients did not demonstrate the substance progression trend and had normal family relationships. Most patients reported having peers from normal family backgrounds as well. A variety of environmental and personal factors was cited as contributing to substance abuse and relapse. There was no significant difference between patient and staff program evaluation scores although the mean score for patients were lower. A holistic treatment approach with a combination of cognitive-behavioral, medical, social and spiritual components was favored by patients. Suggestions for improving existing programs include better tailoring treatment to individual needs, and providing more post-treatment group support.

In recent years, there have been increasing accounts of illegal substance abuse among university students and professional groups in Malaysia. This study looks at university students’ perceptions about this phenomenon. Students from Malaysian universities were asked for their impressions about drug availability and abuse, as well as factors contributing to drug abuse and relapse. The questionnaire also inquired into their knowledge and views regarding government versus private rehabilitation centres, as well as their exposure to, and views about, school-based drug-prevention education. Participants were 460 university students from five Malaysian states: Penang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, and Sarawak. Results showed gender differences in perceptions of relapse prevention strategies, as well as factors leading to drug abuse and relapse. Students also believed that drug education would be more effective if initiated between the ages of 11 to 12 years, which is slightly older than the common age of first exposure, and provided suggestions for improving existing programs. Implications of student perceptions for the improvement of current interventions and educational programs are discussed.